Decision-making associated with anxiety and depression among emerging adults
Loading...
Date
Authors
Davids, Eugene Lee
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Sage
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.
Description
Keywords
Decision making, Anxiety, Depression, Emerging adults, SDG-03: Good health and well-being, Mental health
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-03:Good heatlh and well-being
Citation
Davids, E.L. Decision-making associated with anxiety and depression among emerging adults. South African Journal of Psychology. 2024; 54(3): 314-330. doi: 10.1177/00812463241265044.