This study investigates the impact of governmental regulations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic on mental and social health of children and adolescents in the general Dutch population using both cross-sectional (pre-COVID) and longitudinal (during COVID) data.

During the first lockdown in April and May 2020, a representative sample of children and adolescents of the general Dutch population completed six PROMIS computerized adaptive tests on the following domains: anxiety, depressive symptoms, anger, sleep-related impairment, peer relationships, and global health. These data were compared to normative data collected in 2018 and variables associated with worse mental and social health during COVID-19 were identified. Results are available as preprint at medRxiv.

Due to the topical nature of this study, several news outlets have cited this research, including the New York Times.

In November a second measurement was performed in the same sample to determine longitudinal effects of the pandemic. More measurement occasions are planned for 2021.

APH contact person: Lotte Haverman: l.haverman@amsterdamumc.nl


This is an initiative taken by APH researchers as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. If you have an initiative to be listed as well, please please email us: aph@amsterdamumc.nl.

See all APH COVID-19 initiatives