A large sample cross-sectional study on mental health challenges among adolescents and young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic at-risk group for loneliness and hopelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges for societies. Emerging data have indicated that the younger population are the most vulnerable group to the development of mental health problems during this pandemic. The present study aimed to examine the effects of the changes in health behaviors on mental health problems to identify an at-risk group among adolescents and young adults. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, secondary school students (N = 2556) ages 15–21 years participated in Hungary. A self-report questionnaire was developed to measure the changes in health behaviors. Mental health problems were measured by the Beck Hopelessness Scale and the 20-item UCLA Loneliness Scale. RESULTS: A significant proportion of the students showed moderate/severe hopelessness or high loneliness which were more pronounced among adolescent females. An at-risk group was identified among adolescents and young adults. Students who have a lower number of friends, spend less time in front of a screen, and feel lonely often/very often are more likely to have moderate/severe hopelessness with high loneliness. LIMITATIONS: All data were collected online, and students completed the questionnaires voluntarily. Cross-sectional, non-preregistered study. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness and hopelessness were prevalent in the young population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The at-risk group of adolescents characterized by moderate/severe hopelessness with high loneliness highlights the need for follow-up mental health to avoid future poor mental and physical health. It is also recommended to develop effective interventions targeted to gender and age, with the promotion of resiliencies and buffers against vulnerabilities of negative life events.