A Longtitudinal Investigation of Mental Health During Times of Uncertainty: Insights From Greece During Covid-19

There is a growing body of literature that recognizes the significant impact of COVID-19 on mental health. Over the past two years, studies have provided important information about individuals’ well-being in different countries. Nonetheless, few studies have provided information about the longitudinal course of mental health. This study aims to address this research gap by exploring the longitudinal course of mental health, well-being, and coping behaviors during the coronavirus pandemic in Greece across three assessment waves within a six-month interval. All participants were recruited using a convenience sample method through social platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, email), online discussion forums, professional organizations, and universities. The study included 92 participants from the general population who completed the survey online. Symptoms of adjustment disorder, depression, anxiety, poor well-being, resilience, and pandemic-related coping behaviors were assessed using the following questionnaires: the Adjustment Disorder-New Module 8, the Pandemic Coping Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the World Health Organisation- Five Well-Being Index, and the Resilience Evaluation Scale. The findings indicated that the participants' mental health was most affected during the second assessment wave (April to June 2021). Participants demonstrated improved mental health measures in the third wave of the study. The findings of the study suggest that greater attention should be given to mental health during crisis situations that demand severe policies, highlighting the need for a well-developed and comprehensive support plan to complement such interventions.