The Associations Among Self-Isolation During COVID-19, Depressive Symptoms, and Financial Stress: The Moderation of Technology Use for Relationship Maintenance

The purpose of this study was to examine the moderating effects of technology use for relationship maintenance on the longitudinal associations among self-isolation during COVID-19, depressive symptoms, and financial stress. Participants were 606 (53% female; M age = 20.36, SD = .99; 57% Caucasian) emerging adults. Data were collected in May 2020 (Time 1) and again in November 2020 (Time 2). Findings revealed that increases in self-isolation during COVID-19 related positively to technology use for relationship maintenance, Time 2 depressive symptoms, and Time 2 financial stress. High use of technology for relationship maintenance buffered against the negative effects of self-isolation during COVID-19 on emerging adults’ depressive symptoms and financial stress at Time 2, whereas lower use strengthened the positive relationship. These findings suggest the importance of considering the implications of societal crises or pandemics on emerging adults’ mental health and financial stress.