Affiliation:
1. Department of Psychology Elon University Elon North Carolina USA
2. Department of Sociology and Anthropology Elon Univerity Elon NC USA
3. Department of Mathematics and Statistics Elon University Elon NC USA
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveThis study is an investigation of five specific COVID‐related stressors and their longitudinal impact on adult depression and anxiety.MethodA total of 592 adults comprised the initial sample at Time 1 in April/May 2020. Follow‐ups were conducted about a month later, again in March 2021 and then in March 2022.ResultsApplied linear mixed effect models showed a significant decrease in mean depression scores and anxiety scores from Time 1 to both Times 3 and 4. Neither change over time in anxiety or depression were found to be related to COVID diagnosis, COVID hospitalization, or COVID death. Self‐quarantine was related to changes over time in both depression and anxiety, and household quarantine was related to changes over time in depression.ConclusionWhile the fallout of the pandemic continues, it is important to understand how these factors may be affecting mental health to better understand where intervention is necessary.