Turning challenges into opportunities: mental health and coping styles among Filipino youth during pandemic towards program and policy development framework

Abstract

The pandemic of COVID-19 represents a direct and indirect global crisis, affecting the physical and psychological health of young people directly and indirectly. Significant restrictions and rules imposed to respond to the prompt growth of COVID-19, mainly social constraints, have represented a risk factor for developing depressive and anxious symptoms. Beyond getting sick, many young people’s social, emotional, and mental well-being has been impacted by the pandemic. Trauma at this developmental stage may have long-term consequences across their lifespan triggered by physical distancing, loss of security and safety, and missed significant life events. Changes in routines and educational challenges triggered a problem with Filipino youth’s mental health. The researcher aims to assess Filipino youth’s mental health status and to investigate the effects of Covid-19 pandemic. A descriptive correlation study was conducted to describe and measure levels of mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress) and coping strategies among Filipino youth as basis for psycho-social intervention programs. The results emphasized the consequences of promoting mental wellness and psychological tactics due to the unanticipated nature of stressful event and emotional responses. The study used of standardized scales such as DASS-21 and Brief Cope Inventory respectively. The survey administered randomly to 200 Filipino youths ages 12 to 17, 80 of which are males and 120 are females. The findings and insights discussed a great addition to the growing knowledge of young people’s mental health and program and policy development for youth protection and intervention in the local settings.