The Current Study
While evidence exists for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown on the mental health and wellbeing of young people, most research has focused specifically on the negative outcomes. The potential positive elements of lockdown, and the effective coping strategies that have been used have so far, have been somewhat overlooked. There is also a paucity of research examining the more recent events regarding the brief return to school (September – December 2020). Furthermore, most research has investigated the impact on adults or older adolescents (16-19 years e.g., Demkowicz et al., 2020; Pascual-sanchez et al., 2020); less evidence exists regarding the effects on younger adolescents. This is particularly important given that they are at a critical stage in their development and a point of heightened vulnerability to mental health difficulties (Kim-Cohen et al., 2003). Thus, there is a clear need for further research within this population.
Finally, the evidence base has mostly involved quantitative research. While this is valuable in terms of identifying the scale of the disruption the pandemic has caused, it does not allow for subjective, individual experiences, or acknowledge the heterogeneity in the early adolescent population (Dvorsky et al., 2020). Indeed, the voice of young people is a valuable resource both during and after the COVID-19 pandemic (Branquinho et al., 2020). Young people can contribute important knowledge relating to their problems and needs (Ozer & Piatt, 2017) and so this study intends to explore their experiences during lockdown and on their return to formal schooling, focusing on both the perceived positive and negative impacts. The study also aims to explore the self-care and coping strategies adopted by adolescents to support their mental health and wellbeing. In turn, the resilience processes identified may help inform policy and practice for supporting adolescents in the future.