Analysis of COVID-19-Related Influencing Variables and Post-Traumatic Growth Differences Depending on the Type of Depressive Symptoms Using Latent Profile Analysis

OBJECTIVE: Most existing empirical studies conducted on the public regarding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have categorized depressive symptoms based on average scores. However, few studies have investigated the actual patterns of depressive symptoms for the public in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this limitation, this study conducted latent profile analysis and analyzed the predictors and outcomes according to the types of depressive symptoms. METHODS: This study participants were 2,110 adults aged 19 to 71 years who completed the questionnaire for the 5th COVID-19 National Mental Health Survey conducted in March 2021. RESULTS: The three latent profiles were as follows: "overall low-level group" (59.9%), "lethargy and physical symptoms group" (29.8%), and "overall high-level group" (10.3%). Among predictors, younger age, experience of physical and mental health problems of the individual, experience of the indifference of the society/community to the loss and damage, experience of conflict with family members, experience of conflict and distrust with neighbors, experience of fear of personal information disclosure, low level of stress from the trend of media coverage, experience of rows over liability or legal disputes were associated with the likelihood of being classified into the overall high-level group. Analyzing the difference in post-traumatic growth according to the type of depressive symptoms, the overall highlevel group showed the lowest level of post-traumatic growth. CONCLUSION: Considering the identified predictors, effective strategies need to be established to prevent the aggravation of depressive symptoms and to provide adequate interventions.