Impact Of COVID-19 Circuit Breakers Measures On Mental Health, Adaptive Behaviours And Digital Media Usage Of Older Versus Younger Adults In Singapore: Moderating Role Of Protective Factors

Objective

​The circuit breaker (CB) measures introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic (from 7 April to 1 June 2020) has brought about challenges to lives of Singaporeans. Studies have shown that older adults fare poorly as compared to younger adults during a natural disaster or economic crisis. There are also studies that suggest, rather than chronological age, socio-psychological attributes explain how people adapt to adverse events but further evidence is required. As it is the first time CB measures are in place, there is a lack of understanding of its effects on mental health and adaptive behaviours of Singaporeans.

This study aims to determine how older adults differ from younger adults in terms of their mental health and coping experiences during the CB period. Specifically, age effects on stress, anxiety and depression, as well as adaptive behaviours will be examined. In addition, the moderating effect of individual level attributes associated with mental health outcomes and adaptive behaviours, such as strong social support, current good health and absence of adversity experienced in the past, will be explored.