Trajectory of Depressive Symptoms in the Context of Romantic Relationship Breakup: Characterizing the “Natural Course” of Response and Recovery in Young Adults
Year: 2023
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Young adults face stressful role transitions as well as increased risk for poor mental health, but little is known about a "natural course" of response to such events. We used the PHQ-2 to characterize the trajectory of depressive symptoms before, during, and after relationship breakup and examined subjective appraisal and sense of control as moderators. In our sample of participants reporting a single breakup during the 2-year study period (N=156), breakup was associated with a temporary increase in depressive symptoms that returned to pre-breakup levels within three months. We observed increased symptoms among negatively appraised, but not positive or neutral, events. A general low sense of control was associated with higher depressive symptoms at all time points. Our results suggest that a natural course of response to young adult breakups is characterized by recovery within three months and that subjective appraisal and sense of control contribute to this adaptive response.
Source: Emerging Adulthood
Institution: University of Washington
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
Awards: Predictors and consequences of young adult marijuana use and concurrent and simultaneous alcohol use: Month to month variation across 24 consecutive months, Developmental Models of High-Risk Alcohol Use & Social Roles in Young Adulthood, HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
OpenAlex ID: W4383070258