Adolescence and emerging adulthood in the face of COVID-19 in Spain and the Dominican Republic

ABSTRACT

Adolescence and emerging adulthood facing COVID-19 in Spain and the Dominican Republic. COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact worldwide. The aim of this study is to analyze the psychological impact during confinement on adolescents and emerging adults. The convenience sample is composed by (n = 399) residents of Spain and the Dominican Republic (DR). The age range is 12 to 29 years old (M = 22.57;SD = 3.67). The assessment was conducted online, with the following instruments an ad hoc survey to measure socio-demographic variables, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, The Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experience and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results show differences by age, sex and residence. Adults reported more fear of COVID-19 (p < .05) and acute stress than adolescents (p < .01). more fear and stress in women than men (p < .01) and more fear to the disease in residents of the DR than in Spain (p < .01). Linear regression analysis showed that fear of COVID-19 was a good predictor of acute stress. In conclusion, it is suggested to expand the study in these populations in situations of stress, specifically the one derived from COVID-19, that allow the prevention of acute stress and training in adaptive coping strategies in the face of crisis situations.