Abstract

This cross-sectional trend study compared the intensity of internalised problems of adolescents in the City of Zagreb before the COVID-19 pandemic and during its 4th wave. Two groups of secondary school students participated in the research: (1) 1st grade secondary school students in 2016 (N=267, Mage= 15.16, SDage = 0.468, 61.6% females) and (2) 1st grade secondary school students in 2021 (N =353, M age =14.78, SDage = 0.468, 45.9% females). Using the DASS-21 questionnaire, a growing trend of internalised problems was identified. In December 2021, 20.6% of students had severe and very severe symptoms of depression compared to 15.0% of students in 2016. In 2016 and 2021, 13.4% and as many as 33.0% of students, respectively, had severe and very severe symptoms of anxiety. Symptoms of this level of stress were present in 20.2% of students in 2016, and in 25.4% in 2021. A higher level of depression, anxiety and stress was found in females, as well as in students whose families suffered material damage in the Zagreb earthquake. Students of lower financial status reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and stress. Maladaptive coping strategies are significant predictors of depression, anxiety and stress. A significant predictor of depression is also lower self-esteem, parental rejection and greater dissatisfaction with physical appearance predict higher anxiety, and female gender higher stress. The data show that the mental health of Zagreb secondary school students was at high risk even before the COVID-19 pandemic and earthquakes, and these adverse circumstances increased that risk.