Development and Initial Validation of the Adolescent Routines Questionnaire: Parent and Self-Report

The longitudinal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents' internalizing symptoms, substance use, and digital media use

The present study examined the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent internalizing symptoms, substance use, and digital media use before and during the pandemic. A nationally representative longitudinal cohort of 3718 Israeli adolescents aged 12-16 at baseline completed measures of internalizing symptoms (anxiety, depression, and somatization), the prevalence of substance use (i.e., previous 30-day use of tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis), and average daily use of internet/television, video games, and social media. Social support and daily routines were assessed as potential protective factors for mental health. Data were collected in 10 public schools at four measurement points: before the Covid-19 outbreak (September 2019), after the first wave lockdown (May 2020), after the third wave lockdown (May 2021), and after the fifth wave of the pandemic (May 2022). Multi-level mixed models were used to analyze the longitudinal data. The results showed significant increases in internalizing symptoms, substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis), and daily screen time from the start of the study to the 33-month follow-up. Social support and daily routines moderated the increases in internalizing symptoms and digital media use. These findings highlight the need for public and educational mental health services to address the continuing impact of the pandemic on adolescents.

Young Adult Routines Inventory (YARI): Development and Initial Validation

Young adulthood is characterized by important life transitions (e.g., college, employment, relocation, marriage), where time management skills and routines help promote positive adjustment. Routines are observable, repetitive behavior that are context specific and automate aspects of daily life (e.g., personal hygiene, health, occupational, academic). Although measures of routines exist for children, adolescents, and older adults, similar measures assessing young adult routines are lacking. The purpose of this study was to develop and initially validate The Young Adult Routines Inventory (YARI). Analyses revealed a four-factor measure reflecting daily routines, social routines, time management, and procrastination. The YARI demonstrates good internal consistency, construct, and convergent validity, and was positively correlated with measures of emotional well-being and perceived life satisfaction. The YARI was negatively correlated with self-reported symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and successfully distinguished individuals with and without ADHD symptomatology. Preliminary evidence suggests the YARI is a promising measure of young adult routines.

Coping with COVID-19: Longitudinal Impact of the Pandemic on Adjustment and Links with Coping for Adolescents with and without ADHD

Understanding factors that foster resilience and buffer against the negative psychological impact of COVID-19 is critical to inform efforts to promote adjustment, reduce risk, and improve care, particularly for adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. This prospective longitudinal study addresses this gap by investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents’ mental health and substance use, and by assessing specific positive coping strategies among adolescents with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using multi-group autoregressive cross-lagged path models, the present study explored the reciprocal influence of positive coping behaviors on multiple adjustment outcomes including mental health symptoms, substance use, stress, and worry. Participants included 238 adolescents (132 male participants; ages 15–17; 118 with ADHD). Parents provided ratings of adolescent routines, and adolescents provided ratings of coping behaviors and psychological adjustment in spring (May/June), summer (July/August), and fall (October/November) 2020. All models included the effects of adjustment at the prior timepoint as well as relevant covariates including adolescent race, ethnicity, sex, medication status, and family income. Adolescents with ADHD were at greater risk for experiencing increases in mental health symptoms and substance use throughout the pandemic, relative to adolescents without ADHD. The use of positive coping strategies and adolescent routines buffered against increases in substance use and mental health problems for adolescents with ADHD. These findings have important clinical and public policy relevance for parents, schools, and employers who may aim to prioritize keeping schedules as consistent as possible to promote healthy adjustment.