text: Connectedness Self Esteem and Prosocial Behaviors Protect Adolescent Mental Health Following Social Isolation A Systematic Review Societal trends and COVID 19 quarantines have increased the number of adolescents experiencing social isolation placing them at heightened risk for mental health issues The aim of this review is to explore protective factors that might mitigate psychological harm in the presence of social isolation A systematic literature review was conducted using Finks step by step process Four library databases were searched and results were reported using PRISMA Of the 246 studies reviewed 12 studies were retained following the quality assessment The sample includes 14 064 participants from USA Australia and Europe ranging from 10 19 years old Social connectedness ie family connectedness school connectedness social support self esteem and prosocial behaviors were the most common protective factors to social isolation Additional factors such as self efficacy optimism and ethnic identity are discussed Implications for future research are recommended including the need to explore spiritual biological and sociocultural factors influencing social connectedness and mental health in adolescents 