Addressing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Youth
October 2021
Children and youth have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in unique ways. Disrupted academic schedules, reduced social interaction, and unparalleled levels of uncertainty, anxiety, and grief are affecting children’s mental wellness, as are broader societal issues like racism and the politicization of vaccines and masks. How can psychology help to build children’s mental strength, support their healthy development, and promote their resilience as they weather this “perfect storm”?
APA president Jennifer F. Kelly and CEO Arthur C. Evans address the pandemic’s impact on children and youth. Featuring special guests Kathryn Howell, an associate professor at the University of Memphis and chair-elect of APA’s Committee on Children, Youth and Families, and Lauren Caldwell, senior director of APA’s Human Development Team and Children, Youth and Families portfolio, this town hall describes APA’s efforts to address children’s and teenagers’ mental health and wellbeing, and offer recommendations for how psychological knowledge can be applied to this important issue and how psychologists broadly can have the greatest collective impact.
This program does not offer CE credit.
Presenters
Kathryn H. Howell
An associate professor at the University of Memphis and chair-elect of APA’s Committee on Children, Youth, and Families.
Lauren Caldwell
Senior director of APA’s Human Development Team and Children, Youth, and Families portfolio.
Hosts
Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, ABPP
Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and is board certified in clinical health psychology. She is the director of the Atlanta Center for Behavioral Medicine, with expertise in disorders that involve the relationship between physical and emotional conditions. She currently serves on the APA Board of Directors as recording secretary. She is past president of the Georgia Psychological Association and Div. 31, and past-chair of the Board of Professional Affairs and the Association for the Advancement of Psychology. Kelly has received numerous awards, including the 2012 Timothy B. Jeffrey Award for Outstanding Contributions to Clinical Health Psychology; 2011 APA State Leadership Award and 2011 APA Diversity Award; 2000 APA Karl F. Heiser Advocacy Award; 2000 Legislative Award by the Georgia Psychological Association; 2004 APA Practice Organization Federal Advocacy Award and 2006 Outstanding Psychologist Award from Div. 31. She has numerous publications, including articles in Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, Behavioral Sciences and the Law, Pain Digest, "Comprehensive Review Book for Pain Medicine" and "Practical Management of Pain."
Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD
APA's chief executive officer and executive vice president.
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