A network analysis of positive developmental assets of Hong Kong school-age children during the Covid-19 pandemic

The ongoing COVID19 pandemic is having detrimental effects on the mental and emotional well-being of many adults and children. It is relevant therefore to explore the combination of personal strengths and attributes that can help an individual develop resilience to such stress. Little is known about how psychological strength assets such as social connectedness, grit, hope, life meaning, and life satisfaction are inter-related, and if certain factors play a central role. This study involved a sample of 1,405 school-aged children in Hong Kong (50% female) from seven schools that participated in an online survey of psychological strengths. Data were analyzed by constructing a psychological network that found strength factors are inter-connected, and that ‘school connectedness’ and ‘agency thinking’ are central to the network. The information gained can be of value in any schools that are planning to provide strength-based interventions to help students maintain their psychological well-being during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.