Date of Conferral

8-13-2024

Date of Award

August 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Delinda Mercer

Abstract

Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic had negative repercussions on the mental health of U.S. citizens. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on depression and anxiety on a population aged 18 years and older. Using a quantitative correlational repeated design, archival data were analyzed to evaluate the change in depression (as measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and anxiety (as measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7]) indices from a non-pandemic year (2019) to the 1st pandemic year (2020) among patients of an outpatient community health care center. The study took into account age, sex, income level, and historical depression and anxiety diagnoses. Data were analyzed using t and chi-square tests. Results showed that depression and anxiety scores were reduced during COVID compared to the pre-COVID baseline. In addition, men had less depression and anxiety than women overall. Women who were diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) were younger (M = 47 years old) compared to women who were not diagnosed with MDD. However, men with MDD were older (M = 49 years old) compared to men without MDD (M = 47 years old). There was no statistical difference in age and anxiety between men and women. Income and MDD or GAD were not statistically significant, which may be due to the small sample size of participants who reported income. This study demonstrated the importance of positive social change through routine screening in provider offices, ongoing support during mental health treatment, and better mental health for patients under the care of a provider.

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