Depression, Perceived Burdensomeness, Thwarted Belongingness, and Suicide Risk Trajectories among Emerging Adults during the Early Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: This longitudinal study examined trajectories of depression, perceived burdensomeness (PB), thwarted belongingness (TB), and suicidality among emerging adults (18-24 years old) during the early COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic and contextual differences were explored. The study also examined how COVID-related stressors predicted mental health trajectories over time. Methods: One hundred ninety-eight participants completed three waves of online surveys between May and July 2020. Results: Depressive symptoms decreased marginally over time, but there were no changes in participants’ PB, TB, suicidality, or likelihood of becoming clinically depressed. No demographic differences emerged. Participants who were under stay-at-home orders (vs. not) were more likely to endorse suicidality over time. Engaging with COVID-19-related media or talking about COVID-19 predicted greater TB and marginally greater suicide risk, but not depression or PB, over time. Those who endorsed a greater negative impact on their lives related to COVID-19 also reported greater depression, PB, TB, and suicidality over time. Discussion: The marginal decrease in depressive symptoms likely suggests that participants’ distress reduced over time. However, clinical depression, PB, TB, and suicidality remained stable and high. Watching news and talking about COVID-19 might increase suicide risk and heighten feelings of disconnection.