A Snapshot of Peer Relationships in Children and Youth: Pre- Versus During COVID-19
Abstract
Strong peer relationships are an essential component of a healthy, happy, and long lifetime. The literature suggests peer relationships are primarily centred around reciprocity and turn-taking in early childhood, whereas in later childhood, peer relationships are based on social support and intimacy. Given that there is little understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on peer relationships, this study explored the effects of the COVID waves on peer relationships while controlling for age, sex, and income. Considering the limited literature available, it was hypothesized that there would be an overall decline in peer relationship difficulties across the waves, with older children and adolescents, males, and those from the lowest income, experiencing the most difficulties. Chi-square tests of independence and logistic regression analysis was performed. Overall, as expected, there were significantly fewer peer relationship difficulties during COVID-19, compared to the pre-pandemic period. Despite the general decline of peer issues, individuals between the ages of 8-18, particularly males, were more likely to experience peer relationship difficulties compared to those 4-7 years. Additionally, children from the lowest income households experienced greater peer relationship difficulties during COVID-19 when compared to those from the highest income households. The findings from this study demonstrate the nuanced changes in social behaviours due to the ongoing pandemic for children and youth and highlight those youth who are most in need of social and behavioural interventions.