Why most youth comply with the social distancing measures: a qualitative study
Series / Report no.
Open Access
Type
Article
Language
other
Date
2023-07-16
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Title
Why most youth comply with the social distancing measures: a qualitative study
Translated Title
Published in
J Public Health 2025; 33:141-56
Abstract
Aim
To examine what makes youth comply with COVID-19 social distancing measures.
Subject and methods
This qualitative interview study explored to what extent and why Dutch youth comply with social distancing measures during the frst wave of COVID-19. All 35 participants were between 16 and 25 years old.
Results
Results showed that participants complied very well with social distancing measures, and that feeling solidarity with others and feeling responsible for others were most important for compliance. The participants experienced mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also mentioned positive outcomes, such as more time for hobbies. Lastly, having a natural mentor seems to be positively associated with compliance.
Conclusion
Most youth complied with the COVID-19 measures, but the participants also discussed the impact on their mental health of the COVID-19 pandemic. These results shed light on the reasons for compliance of youth, but also stress that the mental health of youth should be monitored when these measures are in place.