Abstract
This study aims to provide insights into the relationship between COVID-19-induced social exclusion and quality of life among adolescents and further examines its underlying mechanism. A total of 2,354 (1,024 boys, Mage = 12.97 years, SD = 1.49) adolescents from Hubei Province, China, participated in this study. Zero-order correlations and structural equation modelling were performed to test the relationships. Results indicated that COVID-19-induced social exclusion was negatively linked with perceived control over COVID-19 threats and quality of life. Meanwhile, perceived control over COVID-19 threats was positively associated with quality of life and partially mediated the relationship between COVID-19-induced social exclusion and quality of life. The findings have considerable implications for interventions and practices to weaken the harmful impact of COVID-19-induced social exclusion on adolescents. Educators should consider implementing related control-enhancing courses to help adolescents strengthen their defensiveness to endure in the face of future misfortunes and promote positive adolescent development.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).