Stressful Life Events and Depression During the Recurrent Outbreak of COVID-19 in China: The Mediating Role of Grit and the Moderating Role of Gratitude

Abstract

Purpose COVID-19 has been exerting tremendous influence on an individual’s physical behavior and mental health. In China, prolonged isolation may lead to depression among college students during the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19. We conducted this study to explore the relationship among stressful life events, grit, gratitude, and depression in college students during the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19. Methods We investigated 953 college students from across China, with an average age of 20.38 ( SD =1.39) years. Participants completed four scales (Stressful Life Events Scale, Oviedo Grit Scale, Gratitude Questionnaire, and Patients’ Health Questionnaire Depression Scale-9 item). Results The present study found that (1) stressful life events were positively correlated with depression in college students; (2) grit mediated the positive relationship between stressful life events and depression; (3) gratitude moderated the relationship between grit and depression, and such that there was a stronger association between grit and depression for college students with high gratitude. Conclusion This study was of great significance for studying the relationship between stressful life events and depression in Chinese college students during the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19. Results indicated that grit and gratitude of college students may be the main targets of depression prevention and intervention. The research conclusion has theoretical and reference value for solving and preventing depression in college students during the recurrent outbreak of COVID-19.

The Relationship Between Stressful Life Events and Feelings of Hopelessness and Psychological Loneliness Among Al Balqa Applied University Students

“…Therefore, psychological loneliness evidently leads to hopelessness, as confirmed by literature. These results agreed with those of (Abd Elhalem, 2018;Hemberg et al, 2022;Keller et al, 2022;Mushtaq et al, 2014;Liu, Ye & Hu, 2022;Sierakowska & Doroszkiewicz, 2022), which indicate that there is a positive relationship between psychological loneliness and hopelessness. However, the current study has some limitations concerning the sample, research method, and tools used.…”

“…As a result, single persons are much more prone to experience high loneliness than those in committed relationships. Liu, Ye & Hu (2022) examined the connection between recurring COVID-19 outbreaks and the development of resiliency, thankfulness and depression among college students. The average age of the 953 undergraduates studied was 20.38 (SD = 1.39) years, and the students were from around China.…”

Relationship Between Negative Life Events and Depressive Symptoms for Chinese College Students: The Mediating Role of Rumination and Moderating Role of Perceived Social Support and Psychological Capital

“…The detection rate of depression among college students in China is 21.6%~37.6%, 1 normal college students frequently experience depressive symptoms as well. 2 College students face many negative events such as failure in academic exams, family conflicts, and disputes with friends. 3 Therefore, it is necessary to examine how and when negative life events elicit depressive symptoms from both internal and external factors.…”

Physical activity and self-efficacy in college students: the mediating role of grit and the moderating role of gender

“…Strayhorn argues that grit emerges as a more dependable predictor of academic performance compared to intelligence ( Strayhorn, 2014 ). Moreover, grit not only predicts greater pandemic resilience and slightly less psychological impact during the pandemic ( Bono, Reil & Hescox, 2020 ), it also contributes to maintaining students’ mental health amidst these challenging circumstances ( Liu, Ye & Hu, 2022 ; Casali, Feraco & Meneghetti, 2023 ).…”