Authors: de Laia Almeida, I. L., Rego, J. F., Teixeira, A. C. G., & Moreira, M. R.
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to analyze the effects of social isolation on the development of children and teenagers, with a focus on potential impacts on their physical and mental health.
Data source: A literature review was conducted following PRISMA standards using the SciELO, LILACS, and PubMed databases. The search utilized key-words such as “social isolation” and “child development,” as well as “quarantine” and “adolescent development,” based on Medical Subject Headings (MESH) and their translations into Portuguese. Studies in English, Portuguese, and Spanish from inception were included.
Data synthesis: A total of 519 studies were screened, with 12 ultimately included in the systematic review. Among these, five studies addressed psychology and social issues, two focused on the effects of pandemics, four reported on general health impacts, and two explored consequences on the hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal axis and cognitive and social development.
Conclusions: The review highlights a significant association between social isolation and anxiety and depression among children and adolescents. It also indicates that social isolation is linked to elevated cortisol levels and impaired cognitive development. Consequently, the mental and physical health of children and adolescents requires vigilant monitoring by healthcare professionals during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Keywords: Social isolation; Quarantine; Child development; Adolescent development; COVID-19
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