What the study found
The study identified three patterns of depressive symptoms in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: an overall low-level group, a lethargy and physical symptoms group, and an overall high-level group. The overall high-level group had the lowest post-traumatic growth, a term for positive psychological change after hardship.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the predictors they identified may help prevent worsening depressive symptoms and support appropriate interventions. The study suggests that recognizing different symptom patterns, rather than relying only on average scores, may be useful.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used latent profile analysis, a method that groups people by similar symptom patterns, to examine depressive symptoms and related factors. They analyzed questionnaire data from 2,110 adults aged 19 to 71 who completed the 5th COVID-19 National Mental Health Survey in March 2021.
What worked and what didn't
Three latent profiles were found: 59.9% were in the overall low-level group, 29.8% in the lethargy and physical symptoms group, and 10.3% in the overall high-level group. Younger age, personal physical and mental health problems, several COVID-19-related social and conflict experiences, fear of personal information disclosure, low stress from media coverage, and rows over liability or legal disputes were associated with being classified into the overall high-level group.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe the survey items in detail, so the exact meaning of some predictors is limited in the available summary. The study is based on one national survey conducted at a single time point in March 2021.
Key points
- The study identified three depressive symptom profiles in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The largest group was the overall low-level group, at 59.9%.
- The overall high-level group had the lowest level of post-traumatic growth.
- Younger age and several COVID-19-related stressors were associated with the overall high-level group.
- The authors say the findings may help guide prevention and intervention strategies.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Three depressive symptom patterns linked to COVID-19 experiences
- Authors:
- Jinhee Hyun, Seok-Joo Kim, Heeguk Kim, Sunju Sohn, Yun–Kyeung Choi, Jong-Sun Lee, Jong‐Woo Paik, So Hee Lee, Yu-Ri Lee
- Institutions:
- Cheongju University, Daegu University, Daegu University, Kangwon National University, Keimyung University, Kyung Hee University, Nambu University, National Medical Center, Sangji University
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-07
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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