Exploring the impact of event-related and personal vulnerability characteristics on mental health after pandemic-related trauma exposure

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic heightened exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs), such as severe illness or the loss of a loved one. Its prolonged nature may have influenced how mental health symptoms evolved.Objective: This study examined changes in posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and mental wellbeing over time and identified factors contributing to differences in these outcomes.Method: Panel survey data were collected from Dutch youth and adults between March 2022 and June 2024. Participants reported PTEs during the pandemic and whether they still felt affected by these events. PTSS were measured with the PCL-5, anchored to their most distressing event. Mental wellbeing was assessed using the MHI-5. Mixed-effects models examined how risk factors influence severity of PTSS and mental wellbeing. Qualitative analysis of an open-ended question provided insight into the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on how participants’ coped with PTEs.Results: 5,782 observations (of 3,445 individuals) were analysed. PTSS declined slightly over time, but personal vulnerability factors were more strongly associated with PTSS than event-related factors. For mental wellbeing, only personal vulnerability factors were significant covariates. Thematic analysis of the open question revealed four main themes: lack of social contact and support, (interference with) mourning rituals, fear and uncertainty surrounding infection, and renewed appreciation for life and relationships with others.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that personal vulnerability factors and the broader pandemic context, which disrupted normal social coping mechanisms, played a prominent role in the aftermath of pandemic-related trauma. In future public health crises, policies should aim to maintain social connectedness and emotional support to promote psychological recovery.