Examination of the Relationship between Adolescents' Psychological Resilience and Depression and Somatic Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has had profound impacts on physical, psychological, economic, and social aspects globally. This study was designed with the consideration of how the pandemic, which affects each age group differently, might impact individuals going through the challenging stages of adolescence. In line with this purpose, this study aims to examine whether the relationship between psychological resilience, depression, and somatic symptoms is significant during adolescence in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The sample comprised 417 students aged 14-17, living in Turkey. Instruments used included Demographic Information Form, DSM V Level-2 Somatic Symptoms Scale for 11-17 Years Old Child Form, Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale and Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale. Independent Sample T-Test, ANOVA and Correlation Analysis were used to analyze the data. Results: As a result of the study, it was determined that there is a significant negative relationship between the psychological resilience levels of adolescents and their depression and somatic symptoms. It was also found that the mean scores of depression, somatic symptoms, and psychological resilience showed statistically significant differences in terms of the presence of a chronic illness, presence of a separate room for adolescents at home, time allocated for sports and physical activities, receiving support from family when experiencing problems, and receiving support from friends when experiencing problems. Conclusion: Uncovering the relationship between adolescents' psychological resilience and their depression and somatic symptoms during the pandemic is expected to contribute to future psychological support efforts, particularly considering the negative impact of both somatization and depression on adolescents' functionality.