Abstract

ALMEIDA, Paulo et al. Immediate emotional impact of COVID-19 on children and adolescents and their families. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2020, vol.21, n.3, pp.633-646.  Epub Dec 31, 2020. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/20psd210308.

This study was done with children with COVID-19 and their care takers. The objectives were to assess parent’ and child’ early acute emotional reactions to the diagnosis and the anxiety, depression and distress symptoms presented a week later; to determine psychosocial, demographic, and illness factors associated with this perception; and to assess the emotional impact of a crisis intervention program. Data were collected by telephone interview in 105 parents and 52 children aged 10-17 years. The intensity of emotions at the moment of diagnosis (SUD) and a week later was assessed (HAADS). The associations between parents and their children emotions and health and the diagnosis of COVID-19 in other family members were studied. The results showed that the COVID-19 diagnosis had a higher emotional impact at the moment of diagnosis in parents than in children. Children with previous illness problems showed more anxiety symptoms. Parents with previous psychiatric disorders presented more distress symptoms. Parents with other family member with COVID-19 presented more anxiety symptoms. The crisis intervention program had a significant impact in children’s reduction of emotional status as in their parents.

Keywords : Covid-19; emotional impact; children; adolescents; families; intervention program.

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