Did COVID-19 change the trajectory of children's internalising symptoms? A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies and moderating factors.
J Affect DisordJun 25, 2026 (epub)
Mariam M Elgendi, Sherry H Stewart, Simon Sherry et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis examined longitudinal studies to assess changes in internalising symptoms among children aged 5-17 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis included data from 80 studies across 20 countries, revealing a modest increase in symptoms from pre- to peri-pandemic assessments (SMC = 0.32). The findings highlight the variability in symptom trajectories based on contextual factors.
Key findings
- Internalising symptoms increased modestly during the pandemic (SMC = 0.32, 95% CI [0.11, 0.53]).
- Larger increases were noted in studies with parent-report measures and during full school closures.
- Symptom trajectories were highly heterogeneous (I² = 97.9%), indicating variability across studies.
- No significant moderators were found for age, gender/sex, region, or COVID prevalence.
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health is crucial for developing targeted interventions. The findings emphasize the need for clinicians to consider contextual factors when addressing internalising symptoms in youth.