Social relationships and depression during the COVID-19 lockdown: longitudinal analysis of the COVID-19 Social Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to measures that reduced social contact and support. We explored whether UK residents with more frequent or supportive social contact had fewer depressive symptoms during March-August 2020, and potential factors moderating the relationship.

Methods

A convenience sample of UK dwelling participants aged ⩾18 in the internet-based longitudinal COVID-19 Social Study completed up to 22 weekly questionnaires about face-to-face and phone/video social contact frequency, perceived social support, and depressive symptoms using the PHQ-9. Mixed linear models examined associations between social contact and support, and depressive symptoms. We examined for interaction by empathic concern, perspective taking and pre-COVID soc

SUBMITTER: Sommerlad A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7844174 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature