Perceived changes in social contact during COVID ‐19 pandemic in the United States

The COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions have led to a shift in how people connect with others. This study investigated (a) profiles of social contact change across social ties and modes of contact, (b) predictors of these profiles, and (c) the association between these profiles and mental health during the pandemic. Participants (N = 2,098; Age mean = 50.94, range = 18–98; 48.3% female) were surveyed online twice, once prior to the pandemic (January 31–February 10, 2020) and again early in the outbreak (March 18–29, 2020). A latent profile analysis identified profiles of social contact change across social ties and communication methods. Additional analyses identified predictors of group membership and their association with mental health. Three latent groups were identified: (1) the “majority group” (77%) slightly restricted in-person contact and had a small increase in phone and text use, (2) the “high technology use group” (13%) restricted in-person contact and increased the use of all technology-based methods, and (3) the “isolated group” (10%) decreased in both in-person and technology-based contact. Compared to the majority group, the high technology use group reported higher depression and anxiety, whereas the isolated group reported higher loneliness. There were three distinct profiles of how adults in the United States changed their communication patterns with others early in the pandemic that were linked to distinct patterns of mental health. The results have implications for the development and the delivery of mental health treatment in times of social (physical) distancing.