Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
2-2024
Abstract
Given elevated depression rates since the onset of the pandemic and potential downstream implications, this research examined the association between activity engagement and depression among middle-aged and older adults postlockdown. This study aimed to (a) identify activity engagement profiles among middle-aged and older adults, (b) understand factors associated with profile memberships, and (c) compare depression trajectories across profiles as COVID-19 restrictions eased over 16 months in Singapore. This longitudinal study involved 6,568 middle-aged and older adults. Latent growth analysis was first conducted to obtain estimates of depression trajectories for each individual. Latent profile analysis was then conducted to identify different activity profiles. Finally, profile characteristics and depression trajectories across these different profiles were compared. Results indicated four profiles that varied in social and physical activity. Although digital activity was negatively associated with depression at baseline, it did not explain depression trajectories as restrictions eased. Over time, depression decreased for all profiles; however, those who were inactive on all activities except digital contact tended to experience more persistent symptoms, compared with those who were highly engaged in physical and outdoor activities. Individuals who were only active digitally tended to experience more prepandemic negative affect, were more introverted and neurotic, less open, agreeable, and conscientious, and had worse health and mobility, lower income, and lower education. Findings highlight how imprecise conceptualizations of activity engagement may obscure subtle activity engagement-depression relations.
Keywords
Activity engagement, depression, COVID-19, postpandemic, recovery
Discipline
Asian Studies | Gerontology | Personality and Social Contexts | Public Health | Social Psychology
Research Areas
Psychology
Publication
Psychology and Aging
Volume
39
Issue
1
First Page
31
Last Page
45
ISSN
0882-7974
Identifier
10.1037/pag0000785
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Citation
CHIA, Jonathan L., HARTANTO, Andree, & TOV, William.(2024). Profiles of Activity Engagement and Depression Trajectories as COVID-19 Restrictions Were Relaxed. Psychology and Aging, 39(1), 31-45.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/3869
Copyright Owner and License
Authors
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000785
Included in
Asian Studies Commons, Gerontology Commons, Personality and Social Contexts Commons, Public Health Commons, Social Psychology Commons