Strengthening the Resilience of Children and Adolescents during a Pandemic: A Scoping Review on Eligible Interventions

Abstract

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affects children’s and adolescents’ mental health. The accumulation of stress factors and a lack of social support complicate a healthy development. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been almost a doubling of mental health problems in children and adolescents. Promoting resilience is a possible approach to reduce the incidence of mental health problems despite these adverse circumstances. Objectives This literature search aims at identifying and evaluating interventions to promote resilience mechanisms, with a special focus on feasibility in a crisis situation. Materials and methods This scoping review is based on a systematic literature search including the databases Cochrane Library, PubMed, Psyc-Info, Psyndex and Google Scholar (2006–2020). Of 1733 identified articles 75 were included. Results Out of 72 identified intervention studies 28% were feasible under pandemic conditions. The most effective resilience trainings seem to be individualized interventions using cognitive behavioral therapy elements. However, many approaches primarily show short-term success. Discussion Few evidence-based programs are feasible online or under pandemic restrictions. Most of them show short-term effects and focus on parents and individuals. Multiple programs are ready for use, but still lack proof of efficacy. The development and improvement of (digital) resilience interventions should be an essential part of preventive health care, especially for risk groups.