Age, COVID-19, and Mental Health in the Philippines: A Multidimensional Perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to become isolated, increased feelings of loneliness, and given rise to mental health issues. Using the Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping, this study looked at the predictors of mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic across age groups. Results showed that COVID-19 stressors, resilience, nonreactivity, and coping behaviors predicted stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being. Cluster analysis revealed two age clusters—those between 16 and 35 years and those 36 years and above. The younger group reported greater depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and poorer psychological well-being compared to the older group. The younger group also reported less resilience, nonreactivity, and use of spiritual coping compared to the older group. The results suggest that the young are most vulnerable during the pandemic, and findings suggest what might be done to provide them mental health psychosocial support