Functional modes and social well-being as a protector of mental health during COVID-19

Objective: This study investigates how well-being and adaptive coping post-inpatient schema-focused therapy (SFT) predict mental health during COVID-19 in individuals with Personality Disorders (PD), 2-8 years after treatment. Method: Using a naturalistic, prospective within-subject design, 52 PD-diagnosed participants completed assessments post-treatment and at long-term follow-up, with 20 pre-COVID and 32 during COVID. Measures included Schema Mode Inventory, Mental Health Continuum Short Form, and Brief Symptom Inventory. Correlations and hierarchical multivariate regression were used. Results: COVID-19 was associated with lower social and psychological well-being. Social well-being at treatment completion and functional modes predicted changes. Conclusion: Inpatient SFT enhances long-term resilience by improving social well-being and functional modes, benefitting well-being during COVID-19. Clinical significance: COVID-19 has significantly impaired mental health, particularly for individuals with complex PD. This article seeks insight into factors that contribute to resilience in individuals with PD who underwent treatment 2–8 years prior, especially during stressful periods, like COVID-19.