Are the Kids All Right? An Examination of the Current Landscape of Early Adolescent Temperament in the Post-COVID Social Environment

Rebekah Katz, Pace University

Abstract

This study examines the specific behavioral presentations of children who endured prolonged social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is hypothesized that social isolation will result in specific behavioral presentations in late childhood/early adolescence. Parents of children aged 9-15 were recruited through online advertisements and social media platforms. Participants completed the Early Adolescent Treatment Questionnaire-Revised (EATQ-R), a self-report measure designed to assess the temperament of early adolescents. Linear regression was used to compare the mean ratings of temperament scales considering levels of parental stress during school closures, presence of a similarly aged sibling in the home, and if the child’s remote/hybrid schooling included an average of 25-35 hours of video facetime with teachers/peers. Qualitative information was also gathered. The study analyzed data from 57 participants who provided information about their children's temperament and remote learning experiences. Only a few scales showed significant relationships at a p-value of less than .05, with the Pleasure Sensitivity scale negatively associated with Remote Time, and parent stress positively associated with Fear and Shyness. Small to moderate positive correlations were found between some scales, including activation control with parent stress and high intensity pleasure/surgency with remote time. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the relationship between children's temperament and remote learning experiences.

Subject Area

Psychology|Internet and social media studies|Behavioral psychology

Recommended Citation

Katz, Rebekah, "Are the Kids All Right? An Examination of the Current Landscape of Early Adolescent Temperament in the Post-COVID Social Environment" (2023). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI30570078.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI30570078

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