A latent class analysis of lifetime potentially traumatic event exposure and the buffering role of social support on anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study examined relationships among lifetime trauma exposure, perceived social support, and anxiety during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample included 246 diverse adults (59.8% women, M age = 44.39 [SD = 12.96]) living in Ohio who completed questionnaires on trauma exposure, perceived social support, and anxiety symptoms. Latent class analysis identified four distinct classes based on patterns of potentially traumatic event exposure: Low, Moderate-Low, Moderate, and High. Further analyses using the BCH method demonstrated that the High Exposure class was associated with significantly higher anxiety than other classes. Perceived social support buffered anxiety symptoms for the Low Exposure and Moderate-Low Exposure classes. This study highlights how trauma exposure impacts psychological and mental health in the context of a public health crisis and underscores the role of social relationships as a protective factor, with implications for trauma-informed mental health planning and programing to address disparities.