Abstract:
Emerging adulthood is synonymous with high levels of stress and uncertainty, often resulting in anxiety and depression, which negatively impact mental health and well-being. Exploring the experiences of anxiety and depression symptomology in decisional situations enhances our understanding of their role in emerging adult mental health and well-being. This study examined whether decision-making styles predict anxiety and depression symptomology among emerging adults in South Africa. The cross-sectional study collected data using a secure, online platform. All data were analysed using R for descriptive and inferential statistics. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was performed using R seminr package. The sample consisted of 1411 emerging adults with a mean age of 21.81 years, who engaged in both adaptive and maladaptive decision-making. Among the participants, 74.2% were at risk of a clinical diagnosis for an anxiety disorder, and 37.3% for depression/mood disorder. Structural equation modelling indicated that adaptive decision-making led to a reduction in anxiety and depression symptomology, while maladaptive decision-making had the opposite effect. The findings highlight implications for emerging adult mental health, particularly how understanding the connections with decision-making can enhance intervention outcomes and improve mental health and mental health literacy among emerging adults in South Africa.
