Abstract
As individuals undergoing a developmental process characterized by identity exploration, Jewish young adults are particularly vulnerable to the disruption of social connections related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research has demonstrated that young adults, including young Jews, have experienced higher rates of mental health difficulties than older individuals during the pandemic. Using data from a survey of Jewish young adults who applied to participate in Birthright Israel summer 2020 trips but were unable to participate due to the pandemic, we examined the factors contributing to young adults’ mental health difficulties. We found that loneliness, rather than financial worries or concerns about the health impacts of COVID-19, was the single most important driver of reported emotional or mental health difficulties. Results also suggested that simply increasing the frequency of contacts between individuals is unlikely to reduce loneliness, unless these are positive, substantial connections, such as those among members of a “social support network.” Building and rebuilding deep, meaningful social connections between Jewish young adults should be a top priority for Jewish organizations going forward.
Highlights
As the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, the magnitude of the health crisis and its attendant economic and social effects have come into sharp relief
We explore whether economic stressors, COVID-related anxieties, the disruption of social networks and interpersonal connections, or lost opportunities of involvement in Jewish life influenced mental health difficulties experienced by Jewish young adults
Having more in-person social interactions was not significantly associated with experiencing mental health difficulties, nor was a person’s living situation or levels of prepandemic participation in programs sponsored by Jewish organizations
Summary
As the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, the magnitude of the health crisis and its attendant economic and social effects have come into sharp relief. This study is designed to understand the different ways that the pandemic has impacted the psychological well-being of Jewish young adults. We explore whether economic stressors, COVID-related anxieties, the disruption of social networks and interpersonal connections, or lost opportunities of involvement in Jewish life influenced mental health difficulties experienced by Jewish young adults. We explore whether these relationships were mediated through increased loneliness. These results provide important context for understanding Jewish young adults’ experiences of the pandemic, and the potential role of Jewish programs and institutions in responding to their needs
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