Changes in Attachment to Parents and Peers and Relations With Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Using a longitudinal design, we examined changes in parent and peer attachment among college students, and their predictive and protective roles in relation to mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. College students ( N = 106) rated their parent and peer attachment, and self-reported anxiety, loneliness, and depressive symptoms 1 year before and during the pandemic. Participants also rated the impact of COVID-19 related stressors (CRS). Results demonstrate significant increases in loneliness and depression and a decrease in peer attachment security during the pandemic. Increases in peer attachment security were negatively correlated with loneliness during the pandemic. Parent attachment buffered the relationship between the impact of CRS and mental health problems during the pandemic. Guided by the integrated framework from attachment theory and life course theory, the current study discussed findings and practices regarding the important role of attachment for college students and their adjustment to the pandemic.
Source: Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Qingfang Song, Jess M. Vicman, Stacey N. Doan
Institutions: Western Kentucky University, Claremont McKenna College
Language: English
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: National Science Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W4281288264