Associations between Recurrent COVID-19, Attention, and Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

This two-part longitudinal study examined the impacts of initial and recurrent COVID-19 diagnosis on negative affect (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress) and attention control in undergraduate students during pandemic lockdowns. Study 1 found that first-time diagnosis was associated with significantly higher depression, anxiety, and stress but did not affect attention control. Study 2 showed recurrent diagnosis further worsened mental health outcomes yet was linked to enhanced attentional abilities, contrasting typical condition declines. Within-subjects analysis demonstrated a worsening effect but improved attention control from first to second-time points among repeatedly diagnosed participants. Overall, both initial and recurrent diagnoses severely impact psychological well-being with cumulative mental health tolls, underscoring the need to prioritize supporting mental health. However, attentional resilience emerges, potentially reflecting an adaptive coping response. Continued research tracking patients across multiple infections can clarify relationships between worsening emotions and improved attention, informing interventions to address the multifaceted health impacts of COVID-19 reinfection.