What was COVID-19’s impact on mental health, well-being and substance use early in the pandemic?

June 2, 2021

Picture by: Toa Heftiba

A new study led by Dr. Jessica Salvatore (Associate Director of the EDGE Lab and Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department) and Dr. Katherine Haydon (Associate Professor of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke) examined the association between early COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and changes in people's depressive symptoms, stress, sleep, relationship satisfaction, and substance use over time. This study was unique from many COVID-19 studies in that the researchers collected data from participants both before and after the onset of the pandemic. They found that people who experienced more ACEs were more likely to experience negative pandemic-related changes, which in turn increased their likelihood of decreased mental well-being and relationship satisfaction. These findings underscore the need for a particular focus on vulnerable populations (e.g. people with a history of childhood trauma) as the nation continues to grapple with the effects of COVID-19.

To read the publication, visit A Prospective Study of Mental Health, Well-Being, and Substance Use During the Initial COVID-19 Pandemic Surge. 

To learn more about this study in Dr. Salvatore's own words, visit the VCUNEWS press release.