Emotional State, Life Satisfaction and Worries Regarding COVID-19 in Spanish and Chilean Adolescents during Spring 2020.

ABSTRACT

Background: The lockdown due to COVID-19, has affected the mental health of the population. Recent literature suggests a greater psychological impact on adolescents regardless of their cultural background. Objective: The aim is to analyze the emotional state, life satisfaction and worries about COVID-19 in Chilean and Spanish adolescents. Method: A total of 1078 adolescents (M=15.18; SD=1.25) completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, the COVID-19 Worry Scale and the Life Satisfaction Scale. The design was cross-sectional and descriptive. Descriptive analyses, t-tests, and linear regressions were performed. Results: More emotional symptoms, worries and lower life satisfaction were observed in Chile. Girls had more worries and emotional symptoms. An affected psychological state is also observed in Spanish adolescents, especially in Chilean adolescents. Worries about COVID-19 affect depression, anxiety, stress and life satisfaction in both samples. Conclusions: Further research is needed to prevent psychological distress in future pandemics. Developing tailored interventions are encouraged.