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Investigating the Dynamics of Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression and Optimism in Young Adults: An Experience Sampling Study

Buschmeyer, Olivia (2021) Investigating the Dynamics of Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression and Optimism in Young Adults: An Experience Sampling Study.

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Abstract:Recently, anxiety and depressive symptoms in young adults increased steadily, which presents a risk for their mental well-being. Since optimism may have protective functions, these variables are explored between and within young adults. The study shows to what extent anxiety and depressive symptoms and optimism vary over two weeks. Furthermore, it examines how those variables are associated. With the experience sampling method, 25 participants answered three brief questionnaires daily via the mobile application Ethica for two weeks. Momentary anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed by one-item visual analogue scales. State optimism was measured by the first item of the Short-Warwick-Edinburgh-Mental-Wellbeing-Scale. Linear Mixed Models and the person-mean centring method were used. All state measures varied on the group and individual level. The association between anxiety symptoms and optimism was a more a between-person effect (β = -.41; p < .001) and less a within-person effect (β = -.29; p < .001). The association between depressive symptoms and optimism was both a between (β = -.37; p < .001) and within-person effect (β = -.49; p < .001). Further, analyses revealed that the state measures often co-exist. All findings stress the need to conduct further research and develop individually tailored interventions.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/87990
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