ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This study is an investigation of five specific COVID-related stressors and their longitudinal impact on adult depression and anxiety. METHOD: A 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. RESULTS: Applied 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. CONCLUSION: While 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.
