Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental health and development
Official title: Prospective intergenerational mixed-methods investigation of the short- and long-term impact of COVID-19 on adolescent mental, social, and behavioral health
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11042202 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the mental and social well-being of middle school students as they grow into young adults, and it involves them and their parents sharing their experiences through annual surveys about their feelings, school performance, and behaviors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $581,152 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH129354-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042202 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents who were in middle school during the COVID-19 pandemic and are now transitioning to young adulthood.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adolescents or who did not experience the pandemic during their formative years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental, social, and behavioral health of adolescents over time. By utilizing data from a previous study involving middle school students, the research will follow these individuals as they transition into young adulthood, assessing their mental health, social situations, and behaviors. Participants will complete annual surveys that evaluate various aspects of their well-being, including anxiety, academic achievement, and risk behaviors. The study also aims to gather insights from parents to better understand the family dynamics influencing these outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions and support systems for adolescents affected by the pandemic.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that understanding the long-term effects of crises on youth can lead to significant advancements in mental health support, making this approach both relevant and promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Temple, Jeff R — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Temple, Jeff R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Structural factors linking minimum wage, COVID-19, and community violence
A long-term study will explore whether higher minimum wages and pandemic-related economic factors are connected to changes in violence in US communities.
-
COVID-19 healthcare disruptions and heart health inequities in NYC adults with multiple conditions
This project looks at how COVID-19-related gaps in care affected heart health in adults with several chronic conditions in New York City.
-
Modifying body fat to aid COVID-19 recovery through behavioral strategies
A study in veterans explores whether changing weight through lifestyle habits can improve recovery after COVID-19–related health problems.
-
Post-COVID Neuro-Cognitive Changes in Older African Americans
A study explores how COVID-19 affects thinking, memory, and daily life in older African American adults and what might be driving these changes.
-
How COVID school closures affected kids with or at risk for developmental differences
This NIH grant follows children aged 4 to 15 and their families to see how pandemic school closures impacted emotional well-being and parenting over three years.
-
Long-term COVID-19 effects in older Veterans and a rehabilitation approach
This project looks at how COVID-19 affects blood vessel health in older Veterans and tests a rehab strategy together with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant to help recovery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.