A1 Journal article (refereed)
Young adults' personal concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland : an issue for social concern (2020)


Ranta, M., Silinskas, G., & Wilska, T.-A. (2020). Young adults' personal concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland : an issue for social concern. International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, 40(9/10), 1201-1219. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijssp-07-2020-0267

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Ranta, Mette; Silinskas, Gintautas; Wilska, Terhi-Anna

Journal or series: International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

ISSN: 0144-333X

eISSN: 1758-6720

Publication year: 2020

Publication date: 05/11/2020

Volume: 40

Issue number: 9/10

Pages range: 1201-1219

Publisher: Emerald

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/ijssp-07-2020-0267

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/74564


Abstract

Purpose – This study focuses on how young adults face the COVID-19 pandemic by investigating their
personal concerns about mental well-being, career/studies and economic situation. The authors investigated
how young adults’ (aged 18–29) personal concerns differ from older people’s concerns (aged 30–65) and which
person- and context-related antecedents relate to personal concerns.
Design/methodology/approach – Data of Finnish young adults aged 18–29 (n 5 222), who participated in
the “Corona Consumers” survey (N 5 1,000) in April 2020, were analyzed by path analysis and compared to
participants aged 30–65 by independent samples t-test.
Findings – Young adults were significantly more concerned about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on
their mental well-being, career/studies and economic situation than older people. Females were more concerned
about their mental well-being than males. Among youth, lower life satisfaction was related to concerns about
mental well-being, and lower satisfaction with financial situation was related to concerns about career/studies
and economic situation. Young adults’ predisposition to avoid difficult situations was related to more frequent
concerns in all domains, whereas generalized trust and education were not.
Research limitations/implications – Due to cross-sectional data, causal COVID-19 interpretations should
be made cautiously.
Practical implications – Strong youth policies are needed for youth empowerment, mental health and career
advancement in the pandemic aftermath.
Originality/value – The study highlights the inequality of the effects of COVID-19: The pandemic has
radically influenced young adults as they exhibit significant personal concerns in age-related life domains.


Keywords: COVID-19; young adults; concern; contentment; mental well-being; studies; economic condition

Free keywords: COVID-19; youth; personal concerns; life satisfaction; task avoidance; financial situation


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Related projects


Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2024-22-04 at 12:29