Effect of vicarious discrimination on race-based stress symptoms among Asian American young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States. Previous work has established that experiencing racism increases one's dysfunctional anxiety and avoidance actions-key symptoms of race-based stress symptoms. However, the psychological impact of vicarious, or secondhand, discrimination (witnessing racism targeting one's own race group) remains less understood. METHOD: We tested the hypothesis that higher reported vicarious discrimination would be associated with higher levels of race-based stress symptoms reported by Asian American young adults (n = 135) during the pandemic using a cross-sectional analysis of the COVID-19 Adult Resilience Experiences Study (CARES). Starting in April 2020, CARES assessed sociodemographic characteristics and key psychometric scales in young adults through three waves of online surveys. RESULTS: Our multiple regression analysis showed vicarious discrimination significantly predicted race-based stress symptoms, even after controlling for direct discrimination (p < .01). This association remained significant after controlling for age, gender, subjective childhood family social status, and preexisting psychiatric disorders (p < .01). Our results demonstrate that regardless of the effect that direct discrimination might have on race-based stress symptoms, witnessing discrimination against members of one's own racial group is significantly associated with increased race-based stress symptoms (b = 2.68, p < .01). Social media was the most common source of vicarious discrimination, with one out of three participants in our sample reporting nearly daily exposure. CONCLUSION: Providers should intentionally create a space within the therapeutic setting to discuss the effects of vicarious discrimination. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Posttraumatic growth as a moderator between pandemic-related distress and mental health symptoms in U.S. young adults.

OBJECTIVE: Compared to other age groups, young adults are at risk of suffering COVID-19 pandemic-related psychological problems. Prior research suggests that such adverse events (like the pandemic) can initiate adaptive psychological changes, referred to as posttraumatic growth (PTG); however, limited studies have examined the moderating role of PTG among young adults in the United States with regard to COVID-19-related distress. Thus, this study examines whether pandemic-related distress has a differential effect on young adults' mental health symptoms based on varying levels of PTG. METHOD: Using the data from 661 participants who completed all three waves of the CARES study (T1: April-August 2020; T2: September 2020-March 2021; T3: April-May 2021), a moderator analysis was performed using the PROCESS Macro to determine the moderating effect of PTG. RESULTS: In our data, higher levels of PTG buffered the effects of pandemic-related distress from 2020 on depressive symptoms in 2021; PTG did not show a moderating effect with anxiety as an outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the moderating role of PTG would help to further understand the mental health trajectories of young adults in the United States who are particularly distressed by the pandemic. Our findings suggest the importance of further exploring contributors to PTG for young adults, particularly among those who have experienced high levels of pandemic-related distress to date. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

"My Brigham Baby" App: A Pilot Study Using Technology to Enhance Parent Experience in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the family psychosocial experience in a level-III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and to assess how it evolved after rollout of an educational smartphone application (App) called My Brigham Baby. STUDY DESIGN: We surveyed 25 NICU parents pre-App rollout (before COVID-19 pandemic) and 25 parents post-App rollout (during pandemic). Collected data included parental self-reported discharge readiness, symptoms of stress and anxiety, and parenting skill confidence. Survey scores were assessed as total or mean scores, and by category of severity. RESULTS: Pre-and post-App parents had comparable demographics, and their infants had similar clinical characteristics during their NICU stay. Discharge readiness differed by group status (p=0.02) and was characterized by a greater frequency in being "very ready" for discharge among the post-App rollout parent group compared to the pre-App group (56%v.20%, p=0.027), and parenting confidence shifted towards more optimal scores post-App rollout. Parental stress and anxiety symptoms did not significantly differ between groups despite possible stress contagion from the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: This pilot study suggests that technology applications are feasible interventions within NICU settings, and may enhance parental experiences related to NICU hospitalization.

Unmet Prenatal Expectations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To explore the experiences of pregnant women who were living in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Using a qualitative design, we used data obtained from women in their second or third trimester of pregnancy who participated in the Perinatal Experiences and COVID-19 Effects (PEACE) Study from May 21 to December 22, 2020. RESULTS: 361 of 408 pregnant women (88%) who participated in the PEACE study during that timeframe provided narrative comments. Participants had a mean age of 33.2 years (SD = 3.7) with a high percentage of White women (91.4%). At the time of participation, women were between 2.4 and 8.6 months into the COVID-19 pandemic. Just under half were pregnant for the first time (n = 177). Content analysis of responses revealed an overall sense of "unmet expectations" within two themes involving the role of relationships: 1) losing the experience of going through pregnancy together and 2) loss of social support and expected relationship building. Differences were noted between participants giving birth for the first time and participants with other children at home. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study offers insight for nurses and other clinicians taking care of pregnant women during times of public health crises and provides implications for the care of women as the pandemic continues. Nurses can help women plan for future health care changes that may disrupt their support needs as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses should also be aware of possible enduring effects of prenatal unmet needs on later outcomes.

Postpartum experiences among individuals with suspected and confirmed prenatal generalized anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for help-seeking

Prenatal generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common and underdiagnosed condition with negative health consequences to both the pregnant individual and child. Here we studied the relationship between diagnosis and treatment status of GAD during pregnancy (no GAD diagnosis, suspected but not diagnosed, diagnosed but not treated, diagnosed and treated) during the COVID-19 pandemic and postpartum mental health outcomes, while considering the potential influence of individual psychological factors such as distress tolerance and resilience and the role of COVID-19-related health worries. In this sample of predominantly highly educated and white birthing individuals, one in five respondents experienced GAD during pregnancy and another one in six suspected GAD but was not diagnosed. Amongst those with a GAD diagnosis, 30% did not receive treatment. We found that those with a GAD diagnosis during pregnancy who did not receive treatment showed the highest levels of postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms in the postpartum, even after controlling for covariates, and experienced the most COVID-19-related health worries. In comparison, individuals with a GAD diagnosis during pregnancy who received treatment experienced significantly lower anxiety symptom burden and depressive symptom burden, with a symptom burden similar to those without a confirmed or suspected diagnosis after controlling for individual psychological factors. We conclude that clinicians should strongly consider screening for and treating prenatal anxiety to prevent suboptimal postpartum mental health outcomes.

Prevalence and Correlates of Prescription Stimulant Misuse Among US College Students: Results From a National Survey.

Objective: There is a high prevalence of prescription stimulant misuse (PSM) among college students in the United States (US). Preventing and identifying PSM requires an understanding of risk factors and correlates, but large-scale surveys regarding this issue have been lacking. We present the largest multi-institution study to date on the correlates of PSM among US college students.Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the 2017 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA), an annual national survey on the demographics, health, and academic experiences of US college students. Logistic regression models examined associations between past-year PSM in 40,645 undergraduate college students and hypothesized risk factors.Results: PSM was reported in 8% of college students. PSM was associated with past-year diagnosis or treatment of depression (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.16; 99% CI, 1.01-1.33), anorexia (AOR = 1.44; 99% CI, 1.02-2.03), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AOR = 1.66; 99% CI, 1.41-1.95), and substance use disorder/other addiction (AOR = 1.79; 99% CI, 1.30-2.46). The odds of PSM were 5.5 times higher for students who endorsed past-month use of "Legal drugs" and 8 times higher for students who endorsed past-month use of "Illegal drugs" than for those who did not. Other factors associated with PSM included academic difficulty, daytime sleepiness, fraternity or sorority involvement, White race, and cis-male gender.Conclusions: This study identifies many potential risk factors for PSM among US undergraduate college students. Targeted outreach, prevention, and clinical management are discussed. As the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated psychiatric distress, sleep difficulties, substance use, and attentional challenges among college students, this study may serve as a baseline for future studies examining the impact of COVID-19 on PSM among college students.

Postpartum experiences among individuals with suspected and confirmed prenatal generalized anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for help-seeking.

Prenatal generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common and underdiagnosed condition with negative health consequences to both the pregnant individual and child. Here we studied the relationship between diagnosis and treatment status of GAD during pregnancy (no GAD diagnosis, suspected but not diagnosed, diagnosed but not treated, diagnosed and treated) during the COVID-19 pandemic and postpartum mental health outcomes, while considering the potential influence of individual psychological factors such as distress tolerance and resilience and the role of COVID-19-related health worries. In this sample of predominantly highly educated and white birthing individuals, one in five respondents experienced GAD during pregnancy and another one in six suspected GAD but was not diagnosed. Amongst those with a GAD diagnosis, 30% did not receive treatment. We found that those with a GAD diagnosis during pregnancy who did not receive treatment showed the highest levels of postpartum anxiety and depressive symptoms in the postpartum, even after controlling for covariates, and experienced the most COVID-19-related health worries. In comparison, individuals with a GAD diagnosis during pregnancy who received treatment experienced significantly lower anxiety symptom burden and depressive symptom burden, with a symptom burden similar to those without a confirmed or suspected diagnosis after controlling for individual psychological factors. We conclude that clinicians should strongly consider screening for and treating prenatal anxiety to prevent suboptimal postpartum mental health outcomes.

Post-traumatic growth in PhD students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, graduate students have faced increased risk of mental health challenges. Research suggests that experiencing adversity may induce positive psychological changes, called post-traumatic growth (PTG). These changes can include improved relationships with others, perceptions of oneself, and enjoyment of life. Few existing studies have explored this phenomenon among graduate students. This secondary data analysis of a survey conducted in November 2020 among graduate students at a private R1 University in the northeast United States examined graduate students' levels and correlates of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students had a low level of PTG, with a mean score of 10.31 out of 50. Linear regression models showed significant positive relationships between anxiety and PTG and between a measure of self-reported impact of the pandemic and PTG. Non-White minorities also had significantly greater PTG than White participants. Experiencing more negative impact due to the pandemic and ruminating about the pandemic were correlated with greater PTG. These findings advance research on the patterns of PTG during the COVID-19 pandemic and can inform future studies of graduate students' coping mechanisms and support efforts to promote pandemic recovery and resilience.

Psychological Distress and Heavy Alcohol Consumption Among U.S. Young Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: The predictors of heavy drinking among U.S. young women during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are not well-examined. This study aims to determine the prospective relationship between COVID-19 psychological distress and heavy alcohol use among U.S. young adult women. DESIGN: This study used the COVID-19 Adult Resilience Experiences Study (CARES) data collected from April 13, 2020, to August 31, 2020 (T1) and September 21, 2020, to March 15, 2021 (T2). Among the young adults (ages 18-30) who participated in both surveys, a total of 684 identified as women (including transgender women) were included in the analysis. Three or more drinks as a typical intake were defined as heavy drinking. Psychological distress in T1 was measured using scores for financial stress, COVID-19-related worry, and COVID-19-related grief. A series of logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with young women's heavy drinking during the pandemic. RESULTS: Twenty-two and one-half percent of young women reported heavy drinking in a typical intake. After controlling for covariates, women who reported high levels of COVID-19-related grief were more likely to report heavy drinking (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.13; p < .05). Those with high levels of COVID-19-related worry were less likely to report drinking heavily (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.85-0.97; p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Those who suffer from a deeper sense of COVID-19-related grief are particularly at risk of heavy drinking and should be targeted for outreach and clinical intervention. Further research is necessary to determine the long-term impacts of the pandemic on heavy drinking among young women and should include a more comprehensive assessment of psychological distress.

COVID-19-related direct and vicarious racial discrimination: Associations with psychological distress among U.S. college students.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has been accompanied by a myriad of racist incidents targeting minorities in the U.S. Young adults are susceptible to direct and vicarious (indirect) pandemic-related racial discrimination. We sought to examine associations between both types of discrimination experiences and psychological distress among college students across different racial groups. METHODS: We analyzed self-reported data from 64,041 undergraduate students from the Spring 2021 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment. Logistic regression examined odds of severe distress based on self-reported exposure to direct and vicarious racial discrimination. RESULTS: Even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and prior mental health diagnoses, there was a significant association between direct discrimination and distress among Asian (AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001), Hispanic (AOR: 1.6, p < 0.001), and Multiracial (AOR: 1.4, p < 0.001) students. Vicarious discrimination was significantly associated with distress among White (AOR: 1.4, p < 0.001), Asian (AOR: 1.4, p < 0.001), Hispanic (AOR: 1.5, p < 0.001), and Multiracial (AOR: 1.3, p < 0.001) students. Further analysis considering distress as a continuous measure revealed a significant association between vicarious discrimination and distress for Black participants (ß = 0.9, p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: Self-reported variables are susceptible to recall bias. Minority racial group analyses may be underpowered. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal an overall link between both direct and vicarious racial discrimination and distress across several racial groups. Further studies should examine effective mental health interventions and anti-racism initiatives to support students who have experienced direct or vicarious discrimination due to COVID-19.

Association Between College Course Delivery Model and Rates of Psychological Distress During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Importance: College students in the US have been heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to increased rates of depression and anxiety, college students have faced unprecedented stressors, such as geographic relocation and abrupt conversion from in-person classes to online classes. Objective: To study the association between course delivery model and psychological distress among US college students. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cross-sectional analysis used national data from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III data set. Data were gathered from a web-based survey administered from January to early June 2021 to full-time US college students attending 4-year programs. Exposure: Course delivery model was self-reported. Main Outcomes and Measures: Psychological distress was measured using the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress. Results: This study evaluated 59 250 full-time undergraduate students (68.1% women; 51.5% White students; mean [SD] age, 21.2 [4.3] years); 3.5% attended fully in-person classes, 61.2% attended fully online classes, and 35.3% attended a mixed format of in-person and online classes. Students who attended classes fully online reported higher levels of psychological distress than those who attended a mix of online and in-person classes (b = 0.76 [99% CI, 0.64-0.88]; P < .001). This association remained significant after controlling for geographic region, year in school, gender, race and ethnicity, food security, current anxiety and/or depressive disorders, COVID-19 concerns, and residence (living on campus, off campus with family, or other off-campus arrangements) (b = 0.18 [99% CI, 0.04-0.31]; P = .001), as well as time spent socializing with friends (b = 0.13 [99% CI, 0.002-0.26]; P = .009). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this study suggest that mental health professionals may wish to consider the association of course delivery models with mental health outcomes when working with college students. Colleges should be aware of the mental health burden associated with attending fully online classes and consider possible in-person components and supports for students.

COVID-19-related Health Worries and Generalized Anxiety Symptoms: Higher Risks in Perinatal Women Without a Pre-existing Generalized Anxiety Diagnosis

The perinatal period has been well-established as a time of vulnerability to anxiety, as has the COVID-19 pandemic. Perinatal women with a prior diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) may be anticipated to be at particular risk for elevated symptom burden when facing the overlay of these stressors. This study examined whether pre-existing anxiety exacerbates COVID-19 related health worries on anxiety symptom severity among a sample of women who entered perinatal status during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed COVID-19-related health worries, past diagnosis of GAD, and current generalized anxiety symptoms cross-sectionally in 1,587 perinatal U.S. women during the COVID-19 pandemic (May 21, 2020 to June 24, 2021). Among perinatal women who reported high levels of COVID-19-related health worries, those with a pre-existing GAD diagnosis were 3.56 times more likely to score at clinically significant levels of generalized anxiety, while those without a pre-existing GAD diagnosis were 6.51 times more likely. COVID-19-related health worries posed a larger risk for elevated anxiety symptoms among those without a pre-existing diagnosis of GAD. Greater access to treatment and psychoeducation for such individuals may be warranted for individuals without a pre-existing mental health diagnosis.

Psychological Distress and Heavy Alcohol Consumption Among U.S. Young Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives The predictors of heavy drinking among U.S. young women during the COVID-19 pandemic are not well examined. This study aims to determine the prospective relationship between COVID-19 psychological distress and heavy alcohol use among U.S. young adult women. Design This study used the CARES (COVID-19 Adult Resilience Experiences Study) data collected April 13, 2020 - August 31, 2020 (T1) and September 21, 2020 - March 15, 2021 (T2). Among the young adults (ages 18-30) who participated in both surveys, a total of 684 identified as women (including transgender women) were included in the analysis. Three or more drinks as a typical intake were defined as heavy drinking. Psychological distress in T1 was measured using scores for financial stress, COVID-19-related worry, and COVID-19-related grief. A series of logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with young women’s heavy drinking during the pandemic. Results 22.5% of young women reported heavy drinking in a typical intake. After controlling for covariates, women who reported high levels of COVID-19-related grief were more likely to report heavy drinking (OR=1.06, CI: 1.01-1.13, p<0.05). Those with high levels of COVID-19-related worry were less likely to report drinking heavily (OR=0.90, CI: 0.85-0.97, p<0.01). Conclusion Those who suffer from a deeper sense of COVID-19-related grief are particularly at risk of heavy drinking and should be targeted for outreach and clinical intervention. Further research is necessary to determine the long-term impacts of the pandemic on heavy drinking among young women and should include a more comprehensive assessment of psychological distress.

Learning about discrimination during childhood: Implications for racial trauma among Asians and Asian Americans during the pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Although the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a sharp rise in anti-Asian hate crimes, limited data exist on racial trauma and its effects on Asian Americans. The current study investigated how racial discrimination and parental ethnic-racial socialization (cultural socialization, preparation for bias, and promotion of mistrust) were associated with racial trauma among Asian Americans in young adulthood. Increased cultural socialization and preparation for bias in childhood were hypothesized to be associated with lower levels of racial trauma, whereas increased racial discrimination and promotion of mistrust were hypothesized to predict higher levels of racial trauma. METHODS: Based on a retrospective report of young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, this longitudinal nationwide study within the United States examined 133 Asian and Asian American young adults ages 18-30 who participated in an online survey regarding ethnic identity, childhood ethnic-racial socialization practices, racial discrimination-related experiences, and racial trauma. RESULTS: Lifetime discrimination, but not COVID-19-related discrimination, was associated with higher levels of racial trauma. Greater levels of preparation for bias during childhood predicted lower levels of racial trauma in young adulthood. Contrary to the hypothesis, greater levels of cultural socialization predicted higher levels of racial trauma. Promotion of mistrust was not associated with later racial trauma outcomes. CONCLUSION: The current study underscores the long-term impacts of parent-child discussions about racism (i.e., preparation for bias) to address racial trauma in young adulthood. Future research should further examine cultural socialization to determine its effects on racial trauma among Asian Americans.

Racial and socioeconomic status differences in stress, posttraumatic growth, and mental health in an older adult cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the most vulnerable and widened the health disparity gap in both physical and mental well-being. Consequentially, it is vital to understand how to best support elderly individuals, particularly Black Americans and people of low socioeconomic status, in navigating stressful situations during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. The aim of this study was to investigate perceived levels of stress, posttraumatic growth, coping strategies, socioeconomic status, and mental health between Black and non-Hispanic, White older adults, the majority over the age of 70. Additionally, we investigated which variables, if any, were associated with posttraumatic growth in these populations. Methods: One hundred seventy-six community dwelling older adults (mean age = 76.30 ±8.94), part of two observational studies (The Harvard Aging Brain Study and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Study) in Massachusetts, US, were included in this cross-sectional study. The survey, conducted from March 23, 2021 to May 13, 2021, measured perceived stress, behavioral coping strategies, posttraumatic growth, and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated associations with post-traumatic growth in a multiple linear regression model and examined their differences by race with t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and Fisher's exact tests. A second multiple linear regression model was used to examine which coping strategies were associated with posttraumatic growth. Findings: Our results indicated no significant difference between the groups in terms of mental health or stress. However, Black participants showed significantly greater posttraumatic growth compared to non-Hispanic, White participants. Additionally, the coping strategies of religion and positive reframing were found to be significantly associated with posttraumatic growth. Furthermore, even with the effects of stress and coping strategies controlled for, race remained significantly associated with posttraumatic growth. Interpretation: The COVID-19 pandemic has differentially impacted Black and non-Hispanic White older adults. These results may help encourage further analysis on geriatric psychiatry as well as understanding how cultural values and adaptations impact posttraumatic growth and mental health in diverse populations. Funding: The Harvard Aging Brain Study (HABS) has been funded by NIH-NIA P01 AG036694 (PI: Reisa Sperling). The IADL study is funded by the National Institute on Aging (R01 AG053184, PI: Gad A. Marshall).

Testing positive, losing a loved one, and financial hardship: Real-world impacts of COVID-19 on US college student distress.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a particularly heavy toll on U.S. college students. In addition to facing academic-related stress and social pressures, these individuals are now increasingly susceptible to experiences such as contracting the virus, losing loved ones to COVID-19, or facing financial hardship due to the pandemic. The effects of such personal, pandemic-related experiences on young adult mental health - and the inherent racial disparities within these outcomes - remain largely understudied. METHODS: We analyzed 65,568 undergraduate students from the Spring 2021 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA). RESULTS: The rates of the aforementioned COVID-19-related stressors were unevenly distributed across racial groups. A logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of moderate and serious psychological distress revealed that participants who had experienced the death of a loved one had 1.14 times greater odds of developing psychological distress (p < 0.0001). Those who experienced financial hardship had an odds ratio of 1.78 (p < 0.0001). Surprisingly, testing positive for COVID-19 was associated with an odds ratio of 0.82 of psychological distress (p < 0.0001). LIMITATIONS: Self-reported measures are susceptible to recall bias and misinterpretation. Exposure and outcome variables were measured simultaneously in this cross-sectional study which limits inference on causality. CONCLUSIONS: Financial burdens and bereavement are especially impactful stressors among college students during the pandemic, whereas contracting COVID-19 seemingly exhibits less impact on distress levels. When addressing student wellbeing, institutions should consider prioritizing the implementation of resources to support individuals affected by pandemic-related financial and familial losses.

Subjective social status, COVID-19 health worries, and mental health symptoms in perinatal women.

Pregnant women and those who have recently given birth are considered an at-risk population during the COVID-19 pandemic with regards to the impact of both general stress and pandemic-related stressors. The extent to which subjective social status (SSS), one's perception of relative standing compared to others in a social hierarchy, might mitigate the effects of COVID-19-related health worries on mental health has not yet been reported, despite SSS often outperforming socioeconomic status as a predictor of various health outcomes including depression. This cross-sectional survey study tested the moderating effect of SSS on association between COVID-19- related health worries and mental health symptoms (depressive and generalized anxiety) among a sample of 1,637 perinatal women from the United States who took part in the Perinatal Experiences and COVID-19 Effects (PEACE) Study between May 2020 and June 2021. We found that high subjective social status was protective against depressive symptoms when self-reported COVID-19-related worry was low. When COVID-19-related worry was high, subjective social status was no longer influential. Higher levels of COVID-19-related health worries were associated with more anxiety symptoms, and higher subjective social status did not moderate anxiety symptomatology at either level of COVID-19-related worry. Although higher SSS has historically been protective against mental health decline, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic it may not be sufficiently protective against anxiety, or against depression for those who experience high levels of worry regarding the effects of COVID-19 on health.

Changes in Maternal Depression and Children’s Behavior Problems: Investigating the Role of COVID-19-Related Stressors, Hair Cortisol, and Dehydroepiandrosterone

Few studies have used longitudinal approaches to consider the cumulative impact of COVID-19-related stressors (CRSs) on the psychological adjustment of mothers and children. In the current study, we tracked changes in maternal depressive symptoms and children?s behavioral problems from approximately 2 years before the pandemic (T1) to May through August 2020 (T2). Second, we explored maternal hair cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone as predictors of change in maternal depressive symptoms. Mothers (N = 120) reported on maternal and child psychological adjustment at both time points. Hair hormone data were collected in the lab at T1. Results suggest increases in children?s internalizing symptoms from T1 to T2 and that higher levels of CRSs were associated with increased maternal depressive symptoms. Maternal and child adjustment were correlated. Maternal hair cortisol, but not dehydroepiandrosterone, was associated with significant increases in depressive symptoms. Findings underscore the importance of considering the family system and cumulative risk exposure on maternal and child mental health.

Concerns about the social climate, finances, and COVID-19 risk on depression and anxiety: An analysis on U.S. young adults across two waves.

Concerns regarding contracting COVID-19 and finances may be risks to mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social climate concerns may be another risk, given U.S. protests taking place during this period. We tested the hypothesis that concerns about COVID-19 risk, finances, and social climate would predict clinically significant levels of depression, anxiety, and comorbid depression and anxiety in young adults. A total of 782 U.S. young adults (18-30 years), initially recruited through convenience sampling (social media, email listservs), completed online surveys at Wave 1 (April-August 2020) and Wave 2 (September 2020-March 2021). The primary outcomes included scoring above the cut off for depressive (PHQ-8 ≥ 10) or anxiety symptoms (GAD ≥10). Approximately 41% reported depression and 47% reported anxiety at Wave 1; rates did not differ at Wave 2. Individuals with greater financial concerns were 14% more likely to score high on depressive symptoms; those with COVID-19 risk concerns and social climate concerns were 21% and 54% more likely, respectively, to score high on generalized anxiety. Those with social climate and financial concerns were 52% and 15% more likely, respectively, to score high on comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms. Analyses controlled for Wave 1 symptoms. We provide evidence highlighting the roles of social climate and COVID-19 risk concerns on anxiety, and financial concerns on depression in young adults. Public health campaigns should acknowledge broader societal issues that have taken place as a source of mental health distress, beyond those driven by the pandemic (e.g., isolation and lockdowns).