Exploring the Impact of COVID-19-Related Changes on the Well-Being of Korean Adolescents: An Analysis Using a Serial Mediation Model

Abstract

PurposeFew studies have investigated both the positive and negative impacts of perceived changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents’ wellbeing. This study aimed to comprehensively identify the factors associated with the overall wellbeing of the youth population. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was employed using data from the 2020 Korean Survey of Children and Youth. Data were collected from N = 7,170 adolescents (aged 9–24 years) during the implementation of social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants provided self-reported data about their COVID-19–induced perceived changes, wellbeing, parental support, and self-esteem between November 2020 and February 2021. The effect of COVID-19–induced perceived changes on adolescents’ wellbeing during the pandemic was assessed by evaluating the mediating roles of parental support and self-esteem. ResultsThe findings highlighted a serial mediating effect of parental support and self-esteem on the relationship between adolescents’ COVID-19–related perceived changes and wellbeing. DiscussionThis study deepens the understanding of the intricate interplay between pandemic-related perceived changes, mediating factors, and wellbeing among adolescents. The findings imply that a comprehensive approach combining interventions aimed at enhancing self-esteem at the individual level with parental support may be most effective in improving adolescents’ wellbeing.