COVID-19 Conversations: A Qualitative Study of Majority Hispanic/Latinx Youth Experiences during Early Stages of the Pandemic

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Bibliographic Details
Title: COVID-19 Conversations: A Qualitative Study of Majority Hispanic/Latinx Youth Experiences during Early Stages of the Pandemic
Language: English
Authors: Cortés-García, L. (ORCID 0000-0001-7176-1171), Hernández Ortiz, J., Asim, N., Sales, M., Villareal, R., Penner, F., Sharp, C.
Source: Child & Youth Care Forum. Aug 2022 51(4):769-793.
Availability: Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 25
Publication Date: 2022
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Junior High Schools
Middle Schools
Secondary Education
Descriptors: COVID-19, Pandemics, Hispanic American Students, Student Experience, Elementary School Students, Middle School Students, Cultural Influences
DOI: 10.1007/s10566-021-09653-x
ISSN: 1053-1890
Abstract: Background: Growing evidence informs about the detrimental impact that COVID-19 has had on youths' mental health and well-being. As of yet, no study has directly examined the experiences and perspectives of children and young adolescents from racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S., despite being exposed to more adversity, which may affect coping with the many challenges posed by the pandemic. Objective: This study aimed to give voice to a mostly Hispanic/Latinx group of youth regarding the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home measures and to identify their emotional responses and coping strategies amid the pandemic in the U.S. when restrictions were at their hardest. Method: A total of 17 youths (70.6 % Hispanic; age range = 10-14 years; 52.9 % female) participated in four virtual semi-structured focus groups for each grade level (grades 5-8). Data was transcribed and analyzed using a gold standard thematic analysis approach. Results: Seven themes were identified concerning the impact of COVID-19, centering around the impact of racism, loss of income, the role of community and family in coping with stress, information overload, home-schooling, loneliness and boredom, and lack of structured routines. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cultural factors (e.g., collectivism and familism) in Hispanic communities may offer important buffering during COVID-19. Future research studies evaluating the implementation of structured programs that provide a space to talk about emotions and thoughts related to the impact of the pandemic and training in strategies to cope with distress during mandatory home-schooling are needed.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2022
Accession Number: EJ1343077
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Background: Growing evidence informs about the detrimental impact that COVID-19 has had on youths' mental health and well-being. As of yet, no study has directly examined the experiences and perspectives of children and young adolescents from racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S., despite being exposed to more adversity, which may affect coping with the many challenges posed by the pandemic. Objective: This study aimed to give voice to a mostly Hispanic/Latinx group of youth regarding the impact of COVID-19 stay-at-home measures and to identify their emotional responses and coping strategies amid the pandemic in the U.S. when restrictions were at their hardest. Method: A total of 17 youths (70.6 % Hispanic; age range = 10-14 years; 52.9 % female) participated in four virtual semi-structured focus groups for each grade level (grades 5-8). Data was transcribed and analyzed using a gold standard thematic analysis approach. Results: Seven themes were identified concerning the impact of COVID-19, centering around the impact of racism, loss of income, the role of community and family in coping with stress, information overload, home-schooling, loneliness and boredom, and lack of structured routines. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that cultural factors (e.g., collectivism and familism) in Hispanic communities may offer important buffering during COVID-19. Future research studies evaluating the implementation of structured programs that provide a space to talk about emotions and thoughts related to the impact of the pandemic and training in strategies to cope with distress during mandatory home-schooling are needed.
ISSN:1053-1890
DOI:10.1007/s10566-021-09653-x