Evaluating the impact of Covid-19 on children and young people’s social, emotional and psychological wellbeing: A systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review investigated the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on children and young people’s (CYP) social, emotional and psychological wellbeing (SEPW). It reviewed the current research available around the Covid-19 pandemic and how it relates within a Scottish context. Implications for educational psychology practice and future research were explored. Fifteen articles, including a mixture of qualitative/quantitative studies and narrative reviews were quality assessed. All articles were directly related to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on CYP SEPW. The main findings report that SEPW has been impacted in CYP due to Covid-19. While many of the findings indicate a negative impact on CYP SEPW, there were some positive outcomes. This review also highlighted a range of ecological factors that influenced the severity of this impact, including CYP from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, children with additional support needs (ASN) and parental influences. Ways to mitigate negative responses to the pandemic included suitable interventions, parental support, effective multi-agency working and support and training provision for educational professionals. Further research is required to explore the child’s voice in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on their SEPW. There is also a need for Scottish research to ensure the specific needs of CYP in Scotland are being met, following the Covid-19 pandemic.