What the study found
Adults in the survey fell into three depressive symptom profiles during the COVID-19 pandemic: an overall low-level group, a lethargy and physical symptoms group, and an overall high-level group. The overall high-level group had the lowest level of post-traumatic growth.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that identifying the predictors of more severe depressive symptom patterns may help prevent worsening symptoms and support appropriate interventions. They also suggest this is important because prior studies often relied on average depression scores rather than actual symptom patterns.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed questionnaire data from 2,110 adults aged 19 to 71 who participated in the 5th COVID-19 National Mental Health Survey in March 2021. They used latent profile analysis, a method that groups people by similar symptom patterns, and examined predictors and post-traumatic growth differences by profile type.
What worked and what didn't
Three profiles were identified: 59.9% low-level, 29.8% lethargy and physical symptoms, and 10.3% overall high-level. Younger age, personal physical and mental health problems, social or family conflict, fear of personal information disclosure, low stress from media coverage, and rows over liability or legal disputes were associated with being in the overall high-level group. The overall high-level group showed the lowest post-traumatic growth.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed study limitations beyond the fact that the data came from one survey at one time point in March 2021. The summary is limited to the information provided in the abstract.
Key points
- The study identified three depressive symptom profiles in adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The largest group was the overall low-level group, at 59.9%.
- The overall high-level group made up 10.3% of participants and had the lowest post-traumatic growth.
- Younger age and several COVID-19-related stressors were associated with being in the overall high-level group.
- The researchers used latent profile analysis on survey data from 2,110 adults.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Three depressive symptom profiles were identified during COVID-19
- Authors:
- Jinhee Hyun, Seok-Joo Kim, Heeguk Kim, Sunju Sohn, Yun–Kyeung Choi, Jong-Sun Lee, Jong‐Woo Paik, So Hee Lee, Yu-Ri Lee
- Institutions:
- Daegu University, Sangji University, Cheongju University, Keimyung University, Kangwon National University, Kyung Hee University, National Medical Center, Nambu University
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-07
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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