Trajectory of depressive symptoms in the context of romantic relationship breakup: Characterizing the "natural course" of response and recovery in young adults.

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 tha

SUBMITTER: Acolin J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11290389 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature