Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Michael Langlais

Abstract

AbstractIt is not currently known how social distancing guidelines impact mental health for emerging adults and whether socioeconomic status moderates this relationship. The psychosocial development theory states that emerging adults experience a psychological conflict—intimacy versus isolation—where the goal is to seek connections. Without connection, emerging adults are likely to experience impaired psychological well-being, which was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of perceived social distancing guidelines on the mental health of emerging adults and if this relationship is moderated by socioeconomic status. This study followed a quantitative comparative design of emerging adults (ages 18–25) who completed an online survey (N = 103). Data were analyzed using regression analyses and a moderation analysis. Results revealed no support for moderation of socioeconomic status. However, perceived social isolation, as measured by loneliness, was negatively associated with mental well-being. The results illustrate that perceived social isolation as measured by loneliness is related to mental health issues. The findings on socioeconomic status may be due to the low variability of socioeconomic status and access to social media, regardless of status. The results of this study show the consequences of perceived social isolation during a pandemic, which can be used to promote positive social change by supporting emerging adults when they deal with social isolation during a pandemic.

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