The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic decreased both economic well-being and mental health. Using a survey of a diverse representative sample of Boston residents in the first months of the pandemic, we identified sources of vulnerability and resilience on mental health during the pandemic’s early months. Persons of color, who reported greater economic impact than white residents, reported less decline in mental health, a pattern consistent with prior research on what has been termed the “black-white mental health paradox” and the “Latino health paradox.” Women, younger and more educated persons reported more adverse mental health impact, in part due to changes in social connection. Loneliness and more online activity predicted greater decline in mental health, except when online engagement was with friends and family or was part of a religious community. Our findings help explain mental health effects of the pandemic and can guide planning to lessen adverse mental health effects of future pandemics.
Presenters: Matcheri Keshavan, MD, Russell K. Schutt, PhD, and Dr. B.S. Keshava
