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Economic Insecurity, Perceived Stress, and Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Study on Mental Health

Author

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  • Zongze Li

    (Financial Planning, Housing and Consumer Economics, University of Georgia)

  • Rui Yao

    (University of Missouri, Journal of Consumer Affairs)

  • Soo Hyun Cho

    (Department of Family and Consumer Sciences)

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between economic insecurity, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data for this study came from five waves of the Understanding American Survey, which was fielded from April 2020 through April 2021. A multilevel modeling approach was used to analyze the longitudinal dataset. The findings reveal a positive association between economic insecurity and depressive symptoms. The results also indicate an indirect effect, demonstrating that economic insecurity influences depressive symptoms through its impact on perceived stress. Additionally, the results suggest that economic insecurity amplifies fluctuations in depressive symptoms over time, although this intensifying effect diminishes as time progresses.

Suggested Citation

  • Zongze Li & Rui Yao & Soo Hyun Cho, 2025. "Economic Insecurity, Perceived Stress, and Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Study on Mental Health," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 20(4), pages 1611-1628, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:20:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s11482-025-10485-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-025-10485-3
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