The impact of the economic crisis in mental and physical development of children, adolescents and young people in Greece: A critical review and meta-analysis of scientific research conducted during the period 2008 - 2015

Abstract

In the last five years, during the financial turmoil that began in the US in 2008, the Greek society is experiencing the most painful and multi-factorial crisis in the Greek history. To date, no scientific study has managed to holistically demonstrate the developmental impact of the ongoing recession to the "new generation" of Greeks. The aim of this meta-analysis, is (A) the aggregate review and the reflection on the impact of the economic crisis in the mental and physical development of children, adolescents and young people in Greece, and (B) the development of new theoretical and methodological framework for representatives of the social sciences and humanities, in order to overcome the "crisis", primarily at the epistemological level, as also at the social level. The uniqueness of this study lies in the fact that it both reviews and comparatively analyzes the academic literature related to the Greek society, covering the time period 2008 – 2015, which spans from the financial crisis starting point till to date. A systematic review of the available academic literature indicates that these vulnerable social groups are facing unprecedented developmental challenges, on a daily basis. The aforementioned observation places the "new generation" at the heart of an emerging social tragedy, while at the same time demonstrates the urgent need to raise awareness among the scientific communities worldwide.