Social Networks and Depressive Feelings during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Europe

Social relationships are critical resources for health and well-being (Berkman et al., 2000 ; Smith & Christakis, 2008 ), offering protection from stressful life course events through social integration and support (Cohen, 2004 ; Mohd et al., 2019 ; Patterson & Margolis, 2023 ). This protective function became particularly relevant during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic (De Pue et al., 2021 ; Patterson et al., 2020 ), a period characterised by a surge in global mental health risks (Amini-Rarani et al., 2025 ; Chandola et al., 2022 ; Creese et al., 2021 ). These risks were especially acute for older adults; they faced both greater vulnerability to severe health outcomes from the infection and profound disruptions to the routine social engagements and support services vital to their mental well-being (Giebel et al., 2021 ; Gorenko et al., 2021 ; Li et al., 2021 ; Mikucka & Antczak, 2023 ). The unprecedented physical distancing policies and rising social isolation amplified the importance of social relationships as support systems (Van Bavel et al., 2020 ). In this study, we focus specifically on core confidant networks and examine their potential buffering role in supporting mental well-being during periods of stress (Marsden, 1987 ; McPherson et al., 2006 ; Mollenhorst et al., 2008 ), with particular attention to the heightened challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.