Navigating Mental Health During COVID-19: Considerations of Childhood Adversity, Pandemic Stress, and Loneliness

Authors

Linnea Rose Swanson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Susan M. Swearer

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Educational Psychology

Date of this Version

5-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College of the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Psychological Studies in Education (School Psychology)

Under the supervision of Professor Susan M. Swearer

Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2024

Comments

Copyright 2024, Linnea Rose Swanson. Used by permission

Abstract

The purpose of this dissertation study was twofold. First, to determine if the addition of bullying victimization to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Questionnaire (Felitti et al., 1998) would result in a stronger measure of childhood adversity; second to examine the interaction between ACEs, pandemic stress, loneliness, and internalizing symptoms in a sample of young adults living in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. ACEs are linked to negative outcomes in adulthood including mental health problems, stress, and loneliness. During the pandemic, increased levels of stress and loneliness were associated with higher rates of internalizing disorders among young adults. However, little research has yet to examine the unique impacts of childhood adversity on young adults’ experiences during the pandemic. Data were collected as part of an ongoing online study designed to examine the impacts of the pandemic on mental health and social support. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the adaptation of the ACE Questionnaire and relations between identified constructs. Results found addition of bullying victimization to the ACE Questionnaire did not result in a stronger measure. Further, childhood adversity was associated with higher pandemic stress, loneliness, and internalizing symptoms for young adults. Findings strengthen the understanding of life-long impacts of childhood adversity and call for enhanced intervention for these experiences of adversity.

Advisor: Susan M. Swearer

Recommended Citation

Swanson, Linnea Rose, "Navigating Mental Health During COVID-19: Considerations of Childhood Adversity, Pandemic Stress, and Loneliness" (2024). Dissertations and Doctoral Documents from University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–. 155.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissunl/155