Social distancing measures and mental Well-being outcomes of UK young adults during the pandemic: the mediating role of social connectedness

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the implementation of various social distancing measures to manage virus transmission, leading to sudden lifestyle changes that negatively impacted the mental well-being of young adults. This study investigates the mediating role of social connectedness in the relationship between social distancing and mental well-being. Data were drawn from 1,523 participants (99.4% White Caucasian), aged approximately 19, in the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS). Participants completed online surveys during two waves of the pandemic: Wave 2 (September-October 2020) and Wave 3 (February-March 2021). Social connectedness indicators, including social contact frequency, social support, and social isolation, were assessed using validated instruments. A cross-sectional mediation analysis was conducted using the SPSS PROCESS Macro to explore the pathways linking social distancing measures to mental well-being. Social distancing measures had a significant direct effect on mental well-being (B = -0.82, p < 0.001). Significant indirect effects were observed through social contact (B = -0.08; 95% BCI [-0.132, -0.028]) and social isolation (B = -0.31; 95% BCI [-0.478, -0.134]). These findings suggest that the decline in mental well-being during the pandemic is not solely attributable to stricter social distancing measures but also to reduced social contact and increased feelings of isolation. The study underscores the importance for policymakers to consider aspects of social connectedness when formulating strategies for future pandemic crises to promote optimal mental well-being among young adults.