Hidden struggles: Psychological symptoms in a large cohort of adolescents in Northern Italy in the post-COVID era

INTRODUCTION: This study explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being of adolescents in the province of Pavia. METHODS: We analysed data from a non-clinical sample of 1 779 adolescents, aged 13 to 19 years, to assess internalising and externalising psychological symptoms. Participants completed a comprehensive self-report survey. RESULTS: Our findings reveal significant sex differences, with females showing higher levels of internalising symptoms such as anxiety and depression compared to males. No significant sex differences were found for externalising symptoms. We examined correlations between these psychological symptoms and factors like age, suicidal ideation, and eating problems. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the prevalence of mental health challenges among adolescents in the post-pandemic context and highlights the need for targeted interventions. Our findings may inform efforts to enhance adolescent well-being by addressing both risk and protective factors in collaboration with families and educational communities.