Symposia
Assessment
Olivia M Fitzpatrick, M.A.
graduate student
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Amani Carson, BS
Research Assistant
Boston Medical Center
Cambridge, Massachusetts
John R. Weisz, ABPP
Professor
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Our understanding of child, adolescent, and caregiver mental health concerns during the coronavirus pandemic, and which interventions are needed to target these concerns, may be advanced by consumer input. 133 general population caregivers reported top mental health problems and needs for themselves and their children (Mage = 8.21; SD = 4.94), using standardized and idiographic measures. We applied linear regression models to quantitative data and thematic analysis to qualitative data. Caregivers’ COVID-era depression and anxiety symptom means fell within the clinical range, as did their children’s mental health symptoms. Caregiver-reported child and adolescent symptoms were positively associated with number of children in the home. Caregiver and caregiver-reported child and adolescent mental health symptoms were more pronounced in regions with more lenient COVID restrictions. Among the kinds of help most urgently needed, mental health services were ranked within the top three codes across all age groups. Caregiver-reported top problems for their child rated as exhibiting the most severe behavioral and/or emotional challenges included misbehavior, anxiety and stress, social isolation, depression, and academics. Overall, the top needs and problems identified highlight pressing pandemic-related intervention targets.