Children and Adolescents' Lived Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jacqueline M Swank; Jo Lauren Weaver; Alena Prikhidko

doi:10.1177/10664807211052303

Children and Adolescents' Lived Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fam J Alex Va. 2022 Apr;30(2):184-190. doi: 10.1177/10664807211052303.

Authors

Jacqueline M Swank¹, Jo Lauren Weaver¹, Alena Prikhidko²

Affiliations

¹ School of Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
² Department of Counseling, Recreation and School Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected people across the life span, including children and adolescents. This study focuses on exploring the lived experiences of children and adolescents in the United States during the pandemic. We interviewed 12 children and adolescents in April 2020 and identified four themes: (a) change in school environment, (b) connection, (c) creative celebrations, and (d) hope. We discuss limitations, recommendations for future research, and implications for counseling.

Keywords: COVID-19; adolescents; children; counseling; hope; school.