Factors influencing mental health among American youth in the time of the Covid-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE: The article aims to show the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on mental health of American youth. It also aims to identify factors that have an impact on the mental health maintenance of young Americans. The conducted analyses are an attempt at explaining the influence of high psycho-social stress on the mental health of young people. METHODS: Secondary data from representative research conducted among the inhabitants of the United States of America on the sample of 10,139 respondents has been used in the analysis. The data is derived from the Pew Research Center, American Trends Panel. RESULTS: The data analysis indicates that among all the age categories the highest levels of mental discomfort have been observed among the youngest Americans aged 18–29. The majority of respondents experienced anxiety and depression. The results of analyses of the youngest respondents (sample n = 1083) have shown that there are a few factors which have impact on mental health of the young generation. Males, people living in relationships, practising religion more often, having a better financial situation, conservative beliefs and being devoid of citizenship had a better mental condition. Owned social, economic and cultural resources protect young Americans against the Covid-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: The conducted research confirms the hypothesis that younger generations struggle hard to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic and related difficulties. Due to the conducted analyses, the variables responsible for the deterioration of mental health in younger generations may be indicated.