Crisis Management Research Articles

A Comparison of Pediatric Prehospital Opioid Encounters and Social Vulnerability

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES This study explores the relationship between socioeconomic factors and pediatric opioid-related emergencies requiring naloxone administration in the prehospital setting, an escalating public health concern. METHODS A retrospective analysis of the National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) database was conducted, examining data from pediatric opioid-related EMS activations between January 2018 and December 2021. The Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) was used to gauge each incident's socioeconomic context and assess correlations between SVI scores and the likelihood of opioid-related activations and naloxone interventions. RESULTS A total of 7,789 pediatric opiate-related EMS activations were identified. Lower socioeconomic status (SES) areas (higher SVI scores) exhibited a decreased rate of opioid-related activations compared to lower SVI-scored areas but an increased frequency of naloxone administration. The analysis demonstrated that as socioeconomic status (SES) improves, the likelihood of opioid-related activations increases significantly supported by a significant negative linear trend (Estimate = -0.2971, SE = 0.1172, z = -2.54, p = 0.0112. On the other hand, naloxone administration was more frequently required in lower SES areas, suggesting an increased emergency response in these (Estimate = 0.05806, SE = 0.2403, z = 0.24, p = 0.8091). CONCLUSIONS The analysis highlights a statistically significant correlation between the SES of an area and pediatric opioid-related EMS activations, yet an inverse correlation with the likelihood of naloxone administration. These findings demonstrate that in lower socioeconomic areas, the total number of opiate-related EMS activations is lower; however, naloxone was more likely to be deployed during those activations. This underscores the need for further research to understand the disparities in opioid crisis management across different socioeconomic landscapes.

The odyssey of Turkish school leaders in Africa: An expedition into professional identity, challenges, and cultural adaptations

This phenomenological study explores the experiences of Turkish school leaders in international schools across 20 African countries, offering a novel perspective on educational leadership beyond the Anglo-Saxon context. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 leaders selected through maximum variation sampling. The analysis revealed four themes: (i) factors that lead to working abroad, (ii) challenges of working abroad, (iii) perceived cultural similarities and differences, and (iv) reflections on international experiences. Findings illuminate a complex interplay of personal, altruistic, and professional factors driving these leaders’ decisions to work abroad. Participants reported navigating significant challenges at individual, professional, and environmental levels, necessitating the development of cultural intelligence, adaptive leadership styles, and crisis management skills. The study highlights a profound transformation in leaders’ professional identities from “outsiders” to “cultural mediators,” underscoring the critical role of culturally responsive leadership in diverse educational contexts. Results reveal how African sociocultural settings shape expatriate leaders’ mindsets, fostering more collaborative approaches and deeper cross-cultural appreciation. This highlights the evolution of leaders’ cultural understanding and effective communication skills, emphasizing the need for targeted support and professional development in cultural sensitivity and adaptive leadership. This research enhances the understanding of leadership complexities in multicultural settings, providing insights for global educational leadership and future research in cross-cultural management.

CEO Optimism on Corporate Risk Management: Evidence from China

Based on impression management theory and upper echelons theory, this study constructs an integrated mediating model involv-ing external investors. It aims to explore the impact of CEO optimism, a positive psychological advantage, on corporate crisis management performance. The research uses machine learning based on LSTM to analyze content text, measuring CEO displayed optimism. It also uses a Python program to crawl objective financial data and third-party objective reports after corporate crises occur, evaluating investor confidence and corporate crisis management performance. This study reveals the positive psychological advantage factors of leaders that enhance corporate crisis management performance and potential mediating mechanisms. It deepens our understanding of how CEOs improve corporate crisis management performance, provides practical insights for en-terprises and managers, and offers reference value for future research.

Emergency preparedness in healthcare systems: the “policy-effect” of COVID-19

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted that health services preparedness is crucial. Indeed, effective planning enables streamline operations, optimized resource allocation, and transparent communication during crises. Within this context, our analysis aims to assess EU countries’ healthcare systems preparedness, by policies analysis and capacity factor analysis, and relationship with COVID-19. We reviewed policies regarding influenza, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and climate change in EU countries, using a web-screening of national and international authorities and institutions. Furthermore, we performed a factor analysis on WHO’s States Party Self-Assessment Reporting (SPAR) and evaluated the results using an iterated principal factor analysis with promax rotation. Few countries updated their policies after the pandemic, particularly regarding influenza plans. Italy stands out as an exception, having updated its national plan in 2021, while other countries maintain pre-COVID plans. Regarding AMR, only few countries, including Sweden, Netherlands, Malta, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and France, updated their plans post-pandemic, while Estonia and Romania lack plans entirely. Addressing the climate crisis and its impacts on health and healthcare resilience, all EU countries aligned with the EC regulation on climate action through National Energy and Climate Plans in 2023. Moreover, EU countries had average preparedness level of 75.77 (SD: 8.23), calculated on SPAR 2022, with significant disparities. Three major factors contribute to preparedness levels: planning, service delivery, and specific subtopics (e.g. food safety, radiation, infectious diseases). Our findings reveal the complexity of preparedness, showing diverse approaches across countries, despite EU regulations and WHO guidelines. International collaboration is crucial to standardize policies and enable countries to leverage successful examples, improving public health outcomes. Key messages • Health services preparedness, underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, is crucial for effective planning and crisis management. • The analysis demonstrates varying levels of preparedness across EU countries, with differences in policy updates and adherence to international guidelines.

Citizen’s perspective on pandemic preparedness

Abstract In the aftermath of COVID-19, pandemic preparedness has become a key concern for governments and public health institutes across the world. As policymakers and scientist grapple with the lessons learned and implications for pandemic preparedness, it is also imperative to take the perspectives of citizens into account. To explore the perceptions and expectations regarding pandemic preparedness, the Behavioural Unit of RIVM conducted a qualitative follow-up study amongst a representative sample of Dutch citizens. At different locations in the Netherlands focus groups were organized with diverse participants. The topic guide was based on an analysis of a previously administered pandemic preparedness questionnaire and theoretical framework, also presented in the current workshop. Topics included risk perceptions, trust in government and other institutions versus self-reliance and the role of media and communication. Furthermore, pandemic preparedness was contrasted with other forms of disaster and crisis management. During the presentation the latest results are shared, and we will discuss possible policy recommendations and how the general public can be involved to develop a better understanding of their needs with respect to preparedness.

Review of the application of drones for smart cities

AbstractIn an area of increasing digitalisation and rapid technological development, information management is becoming essential for the effective functioning of modern organisations and cities. One of the new trends is the gradual expansion and use of drones in parts of the smart cities concept. In security, drones are used to protect public order, monitor traffic in cities and municipalities, and control sub‐activities falling under the competence of police forces. In rescue work, drones allow us to efficiently and quickly manage accidental emergencies in hard‐to‐reach areas. At the same time, in the transport sector, drones have become an important component for the efficient delivery of parcels, reducing overall costs and time savings. This paper systematically overviews the importance of drones in various fields such as security, transportation, rescue operations or parcel delivery. Drones are becoming key elements for public order, crisis management and enhancing the quality of life of citizens in smart cities due to their capabilities of rapid response, monitoring hard‐to‐reach locations and autonomous data collection. Particular attention is then paid to comparing the use of drones in the Czech Republic and abroad and their benefits in the field of innovative technologies that help improve the safety and efficiency of urban services. The article also analyses the technical specifications of drones and their role in the public and private sectors, considering the legislative framework for their use. Overall, the article offers an overview of how drones contribute to integrating modern technologies into the daily functioning of smart cities and improving residents' quality of life.

Mexico City’s pandemic urban crisis management lacked a multiscalar approach

Mexico City’s pandemic urban crisis management lacked a multiscalar approach

Ethical issues after the earthquake in Turkey: A qualitative study on nurses' perspectives.

After natural disasters, the urgent need for survival and rescue operations for those trapped in the rubble results in a heightened demand for healthcare services. Nurses are pivotal in addressing the consequences of such calamities. Nurses operating in critical conditions encounter numerous challenges, including safety issues and ethical quandaries. The ethical considerations primarily revolve around the limitations, duties, and modified norms of care administered by nurses during disasters, presenting both significant and complex challenges. The study was designed to elucidate the nature and essence of nurses' care experiences and to offer an in-depth depiction of the ethical dilemmas while attending to individuals injured in the earthquake. A descriptive phenomenological design was used in this research. A total of 16 nurses who worked for at least 7 days in field hospitals in any of the earthquake regions after the 2023 earthquake in Turkey participated in the research. The research was conducted between March 13 and March 20, 2023. Data were collected by face-to-face interview method with a semistructured form. The steps of Colaizzi's phenomenological method were used to analyze the qualitative data. The study involved a group of 16 Turkish nurses, aged between 20 and 36 years. Through data analysis, four primary themes, 14 subthemes, and 25 codes were identified. The principal themes derived from the interviews included "humanitarian duties," "non-adherence to ethical principles," "respect for the injured," and "medical errors." In this intricate process, it becomes paramount to enhance support for nurses in the domains of management, education, and psychosocial assistance, thereby nurturing their individual and professional acumen, commitment, and ethical sensitivity. Refining the guidelines and professional standards that encapsulate the principles to be adhered to by nurses in disaster scenarios, coupled with providing comprehensive training in both medical and ethical competencies, represents a significant avenue for advancement. Focused training on crisis management will enable nurses to render ethically informed decisions and bolster their professional proficiency. Natural disasters, including earthquakes, pose significant ethical challenges for healthcare professionals, especially nurses who play a pivotal role in delivering care during these emergencies. Issues such as resource allocation and triage, the duty of care and ensuring continuity of care, informed consent and communication, cultural sensitivity, and providing psychosocial support are critical ethical considerations for nursing policies in earthquake situations. Addressing these ethical issues in nursing policies related to earthquakes is crucial for maintaining the integrity of healthcare delivery, preserving public trust, and ensuring the well-being of both the injured and healthcare providers during times of crisis.

Psychosocial Workloads and Resilience of Heads of Municipal Public Health Authorities in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perceptions of Operational Organization, Communication, and Measures

Healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues during epidemics, as evidenced by the COVID-19 crisis. German public health authorities, crucial for disease prevention, faced significant strain from chronic understaffing and resource limitations exacerbated by the pandemic. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational online survey. This study conducted an online needs assessment survey among heads of municipal public health authorities in Thuringia, Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria, and Berlin between June and November 2023. Of the 191 contacted authorities, 74 responses (38.7%) were analyzed, focusing on professional demands, recognition, stress resilience, general life satisfaction, operational organization, and communication during the pandemic. Validated scales such as ERI, RS-13, L-1, and the COVID-19 add-on module of the COPSOQ were utilized. Statistical tests included descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, Chi-Square tests, linear regression, T-tests, and ANOVA with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Respondents were mainly from North Rhine-Westphalia (43.3%) and Bavaria (24.3%), predominantly female (54.1%), and had a mean age of 52.7 years. The majority were medical specialists (71.9%). The RS-13 mean score was 72.66 (SD = 12.42), with 58.9% demonstrating high stress resilience. Public health degree holders showed the highest resilience. The ER-ratio indicated high effort versus reward for 96.7% of heads. Larger districts showed lower ER-ratios, suggesting resilient organizational structures. The study highlights high psychosocial workload and resilience among German public health authority heads during COVID-19, suggesting the need for optimized crisis management and scalable staffing for future pandemics and crises.

Exploring the Work of College Counselors Based on Crisis Management Theory

As the front-line organizers and implementers of student affairs, college counselors bear significant responsibilities in the prevention and disposal of student crises. Based on the theory of crisis management, this paper deeply analyzes the student work of college counselors. It first sorts out the types of common student crises in colleges and universities, including psychological and academic ones, and points out their characteristics. Then, it points out many existing problems in the current crisis management work of college counselors. Subsequently, it proposes corresponding strategies and suggestions from the dimensions of crisis prevention, response, and recovery, aiming to improve the crisis management level of college counselors and provide a solid guarantee for the healthy development of students and the safety and stability of the campus.

CONCEPT OF CRISIS IN SCIENTIFIC DISCOURSE

The article examines the main approaches to the concept and content of crisis in scientific literature. The main trends in the development of the crisis and its contradictions are analyzed. It is emphasized that most crises and their understanding are the result of a combination of human errors, institutional «failures» and constant changes in the sphere of functioning of society and states. The main stages of the development of theoretical approaches regarding the concept and content of the crisis and its main derivatives are considered. It has been proven that he does not have a clear understanding of the concept and essence of the crisis; there are three main approaches to understanding the concept and content of crisis; there are several stages of development and formation of the concept and content of the crisis; for the most part, researchers give this phenomenon a positive or negative character. This is explained by the complex nature of these phenomena and insufficient attention for a long time. It is indicated that analyzing the existing definitions of the concept of «crisis», we can talk about three main approaches: a crisis is a stage of the life cycle of any system, that is, a form of its development; crisis is a turning point in the functioning of the system, which provokes any changes, regardless of the result; a crisis is a deterioration of one or more parameters of the system's functioning, which can even lead to its final disappearance. It is emphasized that the crisis is not a separate phenomenon, but a process unfolding as various factors and forces interact in an unpredictable manner; disruption of the usual daily rhythm of life; the emergence and increase of anxiety and stress in the population; potential and real threats to basic values and structural social systems. It has been proven that all views on the concept and meaning of «crisis» and related concepts are determined by the established framework of their interpretation, as well as by the theoretical and spatiotemporal relationship in which they are interpreted. The conducted research shows that in modern scientific literature there are many approaches to understanding the concepts of crisis and risk, sometimes they are even opposite to each other. In this regard, it is appropriate to generalize the existing approaches to these concepts. This will provide an opportunity to more comprehensively reveal the essence of the concepts and will help during the formation of crisis and risk management policy. The modern world is quite complex and dynamic, which leads to the appearance of an increasing number of various crises and risks. Only a thorough understanding and perception of the crisis will allow, if not to avoid them, then to get out of them with the least losses.

The ECB's Solution to the Inflation Caused by the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Abstract: The Russian-Ukrainian War saw a major escalation on February 24, 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine, sparking the biggest battle in Europe since World War II. In addition to negatively affecting international relations, this lengthy conflict has had a significant negative influence on world markets, especially those in the Eurozone. The ongoing conflict has intensified inflationary pressures, necessitating the implementation of strong fiscal and monetary measures by the European Central Bank (ECB). This study analyzes the inflationary effect of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on the economies of the Eurozone and assesses the ECB's policies using macroeconomic models, such as the IS-PC-MR model. It explores the complex economic fallout, which includes unstable energy supply, higher industrial prices, and a decline in consumer confidence. The economy has stabilized largely because of the ECB's initiatives, which have included coordinated fiscal policies, interest rate hikes and asset purchase adjustments. Despite these initiatives, problems still exist, such as controlling the growing public debt and striking a balance between inflation management and economic growth. In order to strengthen economic resilience, the conclusion highlights the need for ongoing adaptation and international cooperation. Investments in integrated fiscal measures, diverse supply chains, and renewable energy are suggested as being crucial for long-term stability. The purpose of this study is to provide insights for future economic crisis management and to contribute to policy-making conversations.

EVALUATION OF THE AUTOMOBILE CHIP CRISIS IN THE CONTEXT OF CRISIS MANAGEMENT

The automotive industry is a rapidly evolving sector that relies heavily on technological advancements. Chip technologies are essential for various automotive systems, including control mechanisms and infotainment systems. In this context, the chip crisis has exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain and the industry's dependance on chip supplies. The primary issue of the crisis is the bottleneck facing automakers, which negatively impacts production processes and sales due to chip shortages. The purpose of this study is to analyze the chip crisis in the automotive industry and its implications for crisis management. The crisis arises from a shortage of chips in the supply chain, which has adverse effects on automakers. This research highlights the significance of this particular crisis by examining its impact on crisis management practices. It evaluates the causes, effects, and management strategies of the crisis from a crisis management perspective. The scale of this issue demonstrates that chip supply challenges affect not only the automotive industry but also other sectors. This study emphasizes the importance of supply chain and crisis management practices in the automotive industry by analyzing the causes, effects, and management strategies of the crisis. It concludes that companies, especially in the automotive sector, need to adopt more proactive approaches in response to such crises.

Innovative management strategies for addressing paediatric medical staff shortages in underdeveloped cities in developing countries

BackgroundPaediatric professional scarcity and uneven distribution is acute in underdeveloped regions, exacerbated by COVID-19’s workload surge and burnout, highlighting the need for strengthened prevention and response measures.AimPropose an effective talent...

Application of Geographic Information System (GIS), for Crisis Management

Natural disasters have always existed as a natural phenomenon throughout the life of the earth. The occurrence of natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, storms, etc. in most cases have destructive effects on human settlements and heavy casualties on their residents. It has destroyed the buildings and infrastructures of such areas and imposed unfortunate economic and social consequences on cities and countries. Despite many scientific advances, mankind is still not able to prevent and resist these natural events. Natural disaster management and sustainable development are considered an integrated issue today. Due to limited resources, real development will not be possible without integration with disaster reduction programs. Earthquakes as a natural phenomenon do not have adverse results by themselves. What makes this phenomenon a disaster is the lack of prevention and lack of preparation to deal with its consequences. Therefore, one of the most necessary measures is to apply "principles of crisis management". Crisis management measures can be summarized in three parts: 1. Prevention, 2. Response, and 3. Reconstruction. Therefore, the title is the most important discussion in the strategy of reducing the effects of earthquakes. In this research, we seek to find the best location for crisis management support bases in Malair City, which first identified the effective factors and criteria in the location of relief centers during a crisis. Then, the AHP model was used to determine the importance and value of each criterion and effective elements in the decision, and a questionnaire was designed and distributed among experts and specialists. In the next step, the weight of each of the decision criteria and elements was determined using the hierarchical analysis process method and Expert Choice software. Then, using the field method, figures of the studied area were updated and prepared. In the next step, all information layers were converted to raster in the geographic information system (GIS). Finally, using the Index overlay method, the layers were combined. Three locations were suggested as the best locations for crisis management support bases in Malayer City. Among them, two options, one in the eastern part of the city on Molvi Street, and the other in the southern part of the city on Motahari Street, have been proposed as the best options. In terms of accessibility, they are in a good position. An option, that has a lower score, is located in the southeastern part of the city on Sheikh Kilini Street.

Investor behavior in crisis: a comparative study of fear-driven downtrends and confidence-led recoveries

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate the differences between financial crises of fear and confidence and the differential behavior between downtrends and recovery.Design/methodology/approachFive national stock markets have been analyzed – the USA (SP500), China (Hang Seng), Spain (IBEX 35), Japan (Nikkei) and Germany (DAX) – through the evolution of three world economic crises: the mortgage bubble crisis of 2007 in the first place, with special attention to the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, which will be treated as an independent crisis process, and the crisis caused by COVID-19. The behavioral finance theory, with the support of the complexity theory in the field of risk management, will establish the different behavioral biases that explain the differences between the two types of crises, fear and confidence, when confronted with risk.FindingsEconomic crises resulting from a shocking event, addressed as crises of fear in this research, such as Lehman Brothers or COVID-19, are fast-moving; all the economies analyzed show a common pattern of evolution. The difference is found in the recovery periods in which the previous parallelism does not continue. Crisis events that arise from a social context, addressed as crises of trust in this research, follow similar patterns in their evolution; nonetheless, the start date presents higher variations than those originated by a shock. These crises also lack parallelism between fall and recovery.Practical implicationsUnderstanding crisis process patterns may help to prevent them and alleviate their effects when they occur.Originality/valueUnderstanding crisis process patterns may help to prevent them and alleviate their effects when they occur. This constitutes an original field of research.

Bracing urban governance against climate crises: How to integrate high reliability into strategic decision‐making?

AbstractTurning cities socio‐ecologically resilient is one of the pressing challenges in the face of ongoing climate change and accompanying extreme weather events. Despite concentrated efforts within specific urban domains, there exists a necessity for a coordinating mechanism that can concurrently monitor signals of slowly maturing long‐term crises, such as global warming and swiftly intervene to mitigate urgent threats, such as catastrophic floods. This article explores the potential of high reliability principles to inform such a governance mechanism through a novel policy operations room (POR) framework, conceptualizing urban strategic goals as critical infrastructure. We analyze the conditions for integrating elements from top‐down crisis management with bottom‐up participatory scenario exercises and policy simulations in urban governance. Based on pre‐ and post‐POR interviews and meeting transcripts in three Finnish cities we examine the regulative, normative, and cognitive aspects of integration. The analysis indicates that the implementation of a high reliability framework in urban settings can provide valuable support for addressing challenges induced by climate change.

Павел Бажов – антикризисный управляющий военного времени

This article investigates the managerial experience of P.P. Bazhov, one of the most renowned and influential writers from the Ural region. It analyzes his role as a leader and chairman of the board of the Union of Soviet Writers (1940–1950) and the impact he had on the functioning of the writers’ organization in Sverdlovsk during the Great Patriotic War. The article is based on cultural-historical, biographical, structural and comparative-historical research methods, which allows for a deeper understanding of the context and conditions in which Bazhov worked. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of the attitude towards Bazhov on the part of ordinary members of the Union of Soviet Writers, famous metropolitan writers, local authorities and colleagues from other regions. The author of the article also examines the managerial aspects of Bazhov’s activities, his ability to navigate the challenging demands of wartime adversity, and his contributions to the development of Ural literature. Through this analysis, the article aims to shed light on Bazhov’s leadership style, his strategies for unifying and motivating writers under the pressures of war, and his lasting influence on the literary culture of the Ural region during a tumultuous historical period. The exploration of these dimensions not only highlights Bazhov’s achievements but also enriches our understanding of the broader socio-cultural dynamics at play during the war years, thus providing valuable insights into the interplay between literature, culture, and crisis management.

62 Outcomes from a randomized controlled trial of a brief virtual group intervention for adolescents with mild to moderate suicidal ideation and their caregivers: The BRAVA study

Abstract Background Building Resilience and Attachment in Vulnerable Adolescents (BRAVA) is a brief virtual group intervention designed for adolescents with mild to moderate suicidal ideation (SI) and their caregivers. The goal of BRAVA is to reduce SI in adolescents and increase family connection. The intervention consists of six independent, 90 minute modules that are delivered in a group setting on a weekly basis. Independent modules allow for rolling admission thereby reducing wait time to start the intervention. The modules include components of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy. Attachment Based Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Collaborative Problem Solving and psychoeducation. Adolescents and their parents attend separate groups. Adolescents focus on emotional regulation, coping skills, managing crisis situations and caregivers focus on connecting with their teen, validation and crisis management Objectives This randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessed the efficacy of BRAVA in reducing symptoms of SI, depression and anxiety in adolescents, and improving life stress and competency in caregivers. Design/Methods Ninety-nine eligible youth (13-17.5 years) presenting with mild to moderate SI (rated 1 on the suicide item of HEADS-ED MH screening tool) and their caregivers were recruited from hospital and community services. Families were randomized to BRAVA (n=50) or the control group (n=49). The control group intervention consisted of weekly text messages and the opportunity to join the BRAVA group post-exit assessment). Outcome measures were administered at intake and exit for adolescents (Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire-Junior, SIQ-JR; Revised Children’s Anxiety and Depression Scale, RCADS) and caregivers (Perceived Stress Scale, PSS; Parent Sense of Competency Scale, PSOC). Outcomes were analyzed using repeated measures of multivariable analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results Preliminary analyses showed no significant differences between groups at intake for any demographic or clinical variables. Most adolescents and caregivers completed their exit assessment (nBRAVA=37; nControl=39). Adolescents and caregivers attended a median of six and five groups, respectively. Comparing to the control group, BRAVA was superior in reducing SI (p = 0.05) and depression (p = 0.005) in adolescents and caregiver life stress (p = 0.026). Preliminary MANOVA of adolescent outcomes were significant for time [p <0.01, Effect size (ES) = 0.98] and between groups (p = 0.03, ES = 0.11). Caregiver outcomes were significant for time (p=0.051, ES=0.70). Conclusion This study demonstrates that a brief virtual group intervention can have a significant impact on adolescent SI and depression compared to an enhanced treatment as usual control group. In addition, BRAVA can reduce caregiver perceived stress, helping them view their lives as less unpredictable, uncontrollable and overloaded.

Development will (try to) find its way: a qualitative study of Chilean adolescent mental health during and after lockdown

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has had a well-evidenced impact on adolescents, who are especially sensitive to pandemic disruptions given the critical role of socialization in their development. In Chile too, evidence shows increases in mental health complaints among adolescents over the lockdown period. Our study aimed at exploring the experiences of Chilean adolescents regarding their mental health during the lockdown and school closure (March 2020-December 2021), and during the return to on-site education (2022) as informed by adolescents and school staff, with a focus on family, school, and social sources of risk and support for adolescents’ wellbeing during these periods.MethodsUsing a qualitative approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 adolescents and 16 staff members from schools in an urban area of Chile.ResultsThrough thematic analysis, we generated five themes: [1] Adolescents in a mental health crisis, comprising a range of distressing experiences and mental health problems. This crisis was fueled by alterations in the functioning of adolescents’ systems: [2] Broken support systems (peers and school); [3] The school agenda must go on, reflecting schools’ strict compliance with the educational curriculum; and [4] Blurred boundaries between home and school life and within the family. Finally [5], Development will (try to) find its way describes how most participants experienced a bouncing back to wellbeing in the course of the school year upon return, and how some developmental milestones took place despite the abnormal conditions, providing evidence for resilience amid pandemic adversity.ConclusionsThe findings give insight into how the exchanges between the adolescent and the social systems they are embedded in were interfered. The results help us understand the challenges for mental health during and after the pandemic, and highlight adolescents’ capacity to thrive as normality was restored. The results also underscore the importance of upholding stability across adolescents’ systems and routines, in order to mitigate impacts on wellbeing amid abnormal circumstances. The findings are relevant for development-informed initiatives in policy design in the aftermath of the pandemic and in future crisis management responses.