biostudies-literatureUnknown12(1)Murphy GL<h4>Background</h4>The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily social interactions, potentially affecting mental health. Understanding the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms is essential for guiding mental health strategies during future crises.<h4>Aims</h4>To explore how social networks influenced mental health outcomes during the pandemic and how these relationships changed over time.<h4>Method</h4>Data from the Omtanke2020 study, a prospective cohort study of Swedish adults, were analysed using structural equation modelling (<i>N</i> = 10 918). Surveys at baseline and follow-up at 6 and 12 months assessed social networks, including structural components (e.g. relationship status, frequency of social contact) and perceived components (e.g. emotional support from family, feeling safe at hoBJPsych opene26https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12724092biostudies-literatureThe influence of social network on depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from a Swedish cohort study.PMC12724092Lovik AKahler AKBarker MFang FVincze KMurphy GLJoyce EEGisladottir EUSullivan PFValdimarsdottir UAFrans EMfalseThe influence of social network on depressive and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from a Swedish cohort study.<h4>Background</h4>The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily social interactions, potentially affecting mental health. Understanding the risk of depressive and anxiety symptoms is essential for guiding mental health strategies during future crises.<h4>Aims</h4>To explore how social networks influenced mental health outcomes during the pandemic and how these relationships changed over time.<h4>Method</h4>Data from the Omtanke2020 study, a prospective cohort study of Swedish adults, were analysed using structural equation modelling (<i>N</i> = 10 918). Surveys at baseline and follow-up at 6 and 12 months assessed social networks, including structural components (e.g. relationship status, frequency of social contact) and perceived components (e.g. emotional support from family, feeling safe at ho2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Dec2026-06-08T05:06:34.13Z2026-06-08T03:08:32.738ZS-EPMC127240924142964510.1192/bjo.2025.10915