The moderating effects of intolerance of uncertainty and social connectedness on college students’ addictive behaviors and mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2024
Department/School
Psychology
Publication Title
Journal of American College Health
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to understand COVID-19 pandemic impacts on anxiety, depression, and addictive/excessive behaviors, with exploration of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and social connectedness as potential moderators. Participants: Adult college students participated. Method: Our online survey assessed symptoms and behaviors prior to COVID-19, during the initial outbreak (Wave 1), and during early 2021 (Wave 2). Results: Significant increases were found in anxiety, depression, binge eating, sexual behaviors, video game playing, internet/social media usage, and compulsive exercise in both waves. IU moderated the relationship between both depression/anxiety and certain excessive behaviors; social connectedness moderated the relationship between anxiety and smoking. Conclusions: This study replicated prior work and highlights new impacts on addictive/excessive behaviors, as well as moderating effects from social connectedness and IU. Future research is warranted to evaluate the efficacy of treatments targeting IU and social connectedness as the pandemic continues to unfold.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Wojtaszek, J. A., & Saules, K. K. (2024). The moderating effects of intolerance of uncertainty and social connectedness on college students’ addictive behaviors and mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of American College Health, 72(5), 1551–1560. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2082848
Comments
K. K. Saules is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Psychology.
J. A. Wojtaszek is an EMU student.