Network connectivity between anxiety, depressive symptoms and psychological capital in Chinese university students during the COVID-19 campus closure

Feb 25, 2023Journal of affective disorders

Links between anxiety, depression, and positive psychological traits in Chinese university students during COVID-19 campus closure

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Abstract

A total of 12,945 university students were analyzed for anxiety and depression during COVID-19 campus closures.

The most influential symptom identified was Trouble relaxing (GAD4), followed by Uncontrollable worry (GAD2) and Excessive worry (GAD3).
Bridging symptoms included Depressed mood (PHQ2) and Psychological capital.
No differences were found in network structures by place of residence, but significant differences were noted by gender.
Central and bridging symptoms may trigger or sustain anxiety and depression among university students.
Improving psychological capital may contribute to better mental health outcomes in this population.

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BACKGROUND: In the context of the outbreak of COVID-19 within mainland China, to understand the mental health status of university students during campus closure, this study analyzes the relationship between anxiety, depressive symptoms, and psychological capital and to reveals their central symptoms.

METHODS: A total of 12,945 university students were included in this study from April 10 to 19, 2022. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured by the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and two-item Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-2). Psychological capital was measured using the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24). The centrality and bridge centrality indexes were used to identify central and bridge symptoms, respectively. Network Comparison Test (NCT) was also administered to check whether network traits differed by gender and place of residence.

RESULTS: The most influential node in this study was Trouble relaxing (GAD4), followed by Uncontrollable worry (GAD2) and Excessive worry (GAD3). The main bridging symptoms were Depressed mood (PHQ2), Psychological capital. There are no differences in the network structure of students by place of residence, while there are more significant differences in the network structure of students by gender.

CONCLUSION: Central and bridging symptoms may be the core symptoms that trigger or maintain the development of anxiety and depression among university students during the COVID-19 campus closure. Timely and reasonable interventions targeting these symptoms may help reduce depression and anxiety in this population. In addition, improving university students' psychological capital may likewise contribute to the development of their good mental health.

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Network connectivity between anxiety, depressive symptoms and psychological capital in Chinese university students during the COVID-19 campus closure

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