Adverse childhood events and clinical manifestation of anxiety symptoms in Greek adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are linked to the development of Anxiety in Adolescence. According to recent studies, the pandemic COVID-19 is a novel ACE that has increased Anxiety among adolescents. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and COVID-19 in the development of Anxiety in Adolescence. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a community sample of 248 boys and girls aged 12 to 15 years (Mean: 13.50 years) from five High Schools in Eastern Attica were conducted. A total of four questionnaires were used: 1) Demographic Questionnaire, 2) State-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory for Children – STAIC, 3) Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale, and 4) COVID-19 Impact Scale. Results: The results demonstrated a strong correlation between the total number of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and Anxiety (Trait and State) in adolescence (Trait Anxiety: rho=.37, p0.001; State Anxiety: rho=.29, p0.001). Girls scored substantially higher on Trait Anxiety (U = 4353, p 0.001) and State Anxiety (U = 5822.5, p = 0.014) than boys. Girls also demonstrated more significant Anxiety than boys. The number of adverse childhood experiences was found to be significantly related to the impact of COVID-19 (=0.025, p 0.001). Conclusions: The present study's findings can be used to design and implement future effective, preventive, and therapeutic programs for adolescents with anxiety symptoms who were exposed to a variety of Adverse Childhood Experiences and the COVID-19 pandemic during their adolescence.