Associations between COVID‐19‐related disruptions and psychological adjustment in a sample of young adults

Abstract

AbstractWe examined the relations between disruptions experienced by young adults in the US during the COVID‐19 pandemic and their psychological adjustment. An online sample (N = 180, Mage = 24.8) reported on the impact of the pandemic on their living arrangements, work status, and finances; their psychological adjustment overall and with specific reference to the pandemic; and whether they lived alone and, if living with others, there were children in the home. Results indicated a moderate association between financial strain and poor overall adjustment and a small association between job‐related problems and sleep disruption. Women experienced negative effects of pandemic‐related disruptions on their adjustment. Men were particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of financial strain. The results show the negative psychological effects of disruptions brought about by the COVID‐19 pandemic on young adults' mental health.