Undergradute Student Article: Teachers’ Observations of Adolescent Social Behavior Patterns in Rural Oklahoma Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 changed the lives of many individuals throughout the United States and the world. This study hypothesized that the increased use of digital media following the COVID-19 pandemic impacted adolescent socialization patterns. The sample included 26 fifth through twelfth grade rural public-school teachers in Oklahoma, recruited via email. This mixed methods study used an explanatory sequential design with a quantitative online survey followed by an optional qualitative interview. The quantitative survey employed Likert scales, yes/no questions, ratings, and open-ended questions to gather data about adolescent behavior both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. An optional online interview gathered qualitative data using structured and follow-up open-ended questions. Findings indicated that adolescent socialization patterns have changed, and adolescents are more reliant on digital media as a tool for socialization. Additionally, the data indicated increased anxiety levels in adolescents following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other unexpected results. Although adolescent socialization patterns did seem to be impacted, increased anxiety levels in adolescents following the COVID-19 pandemic could indicate adverse effects in areas not explored in this study.