Decision-making associated with anxiety and depression among emerging adults
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11011997 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Eugene Lee Davids (0000-0002-3805-3904, University of Pretoria, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 54 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 314-330 |
| Publication date | 2024-09-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | South African Journal of Psychology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0081-2463 • E-ISSN: 2078-208X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/00812463241265044 |
| OpenAlex | W4401033083 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 38 |
Emerging adulthood is synonymous with high levels of stress and uncertainty, often resulting in anxiety and depression, which negatively impact mental health and well-being. Exploring the experiences of anxiety and depression symptomology in decisional situations enhances our understanding of their role in emerging adult mental health and well-being. This study examined whether decision-making styles predict anxiety and depression symptomology among emerging adults in South Africa. The cross-sectional study collected data using a secure, online platform. All data were analysed using R for descriptive and inferential statistics. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was performed using R seminr package. The sample consisted of 1411 emerging adults with a mean age of 21.81 years, who engaged in both adaptive and maladaptive decision-making. Among the participants, 74.2% were at risk of a clinical diagnosis for an anxiety disorder, and 37.3% for depression/mood disorder. Structural equation modelling indicated that adaptive decision-making led to a reduction in anxiety and depression symptomology, while maladaptive decision-making had the opposite effect. The findings highlight implications for emerging adult mental health, particularly how understanding the connections with decision-making can enhance intervention outcomes and improve mental health and mental health literacy among emerging adults in South Africa
Anxiety · Depression (economics) · Descriptive statistics · Intervention (counseling) · Mental health · Mood · Psychiatry · Structural equation modeling · Clinical Psychology · Health disparities and outcomes · Psychological and Temporal Perspectives Research · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology
Age of onset of mental disorders
Anxiety and Decision-Making
Emotion and Decision Making
A heavy burden on young minds
Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling
Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide
The new life stage of emerging adulthood at ages 18–29 years
When to use and how to report the results of PLS-SEM
The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
The Covid-19 resilience journey of vulnerable young South Africans
Emerging Adulthood
Pandemic Onset, Individual Differences, and Dimensional Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Among Emerging Adults
Exploring condom use decision-making among adolescents
Decision Making
The Interaction between Basic Psychological Needs, Decision-Making and Life Goals among Emerging Adults in South Africa
The Melbourne decision making questionnaire
University students’ mental health and emotional wellbeing during the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown
Pathways to Adulthood in Changing Societies
Emerging Adulthood
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |