Are the Negative Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic Worse for Girls Than Boys?

By Wiley August 3, 2021

In a survey-based study of 523 teenagers in Iceland, girls reported a greater negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and behavior than boys, and they reported high levels of depressive symptoms.

In the JCPP Advances study, higher depressive symptoms in girls were associated with more passive social media use and less contact with family members via phone or social media, and less sleep and more online gaming in boys.

Contributors to poor mental health included concerns about others contracting COVID-19, changes in daily and school routines, and not seeing friends in person.

“The findings suggest that health care providers, teachers and other professionals should especially monitor girls’ depressive symptoms and well-being during COVID-19 and its aftermath,” said lead author Thorhildur Halldorsdottir, PhD, clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. the University of Reykjavik.

Reference: “Adolescent Well-Being Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Are Girls Struggling More Than Boys?” by Thorhildur Halldorsdottir, Ingibjorg Eva Thorisdottir, Caine CA Meyers, Bryndis Bjork Asgeirsdottir, Alfgeir Logi Kristjansson, Heiddis B. Valdimarsdottir, John P. Allegrante and Inga Dora Sigfusdottir, August 3, 2021., JCPP Advances.
DOI: 10.1002 / jcv2.12027