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Sossa Rojas A. Bodily Practices and Meanings Articulated in the Physical Exercise of Older Adults in Santiago de Chile Post-COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:567. [PMID: 38791782 PMCID: PMC11121339 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
This article presents the results of almost nine months of ethnographic research on the relationship between physical exercise and health in older people in the post-COVID-19 context. Via exploratory-descriptive qualitative research and the use of a convenient sample, I shed light on this relationship using the stories and life experiences of 40 older people (10 men and 30 women, including two women instructors for senior classes) who exercise regularly. The meanings they attributed to physical exercise during COVID-19 and after it are explained, emphasising first that there is no health in a context of not feeling safe; once there is a feeling of security, the most relevant meanings can be exposed in three directions. First, exercise produces a sense of identity linked to "being an athlete" and "belonging to a group". Second, exercising is valued as participating in something meaningful (the meanings range from self-realisation, independence, and autonomy to feelings of happiness). Finally, and linked to the sense of identity, those who train alone show more commitment and total hours spent in physical exercise and physical activity than those who train in groups. Even though older people are not a homogeneous group, they generally faced the pandemic as an ageist situation that affected their lives and how they saw sports and health. This article describes the strategies they used during COVID-19 related to exercise and well-being and those used once the pandemic restrictions were no longer present. The qualitative aspects that physical exercise brings to this population are highlighted. The research results give voice to older people, showing their heterogeneity and the meanings and practices that unite them. These inputs are rich material for studies on physical activity, older people, and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Sossa Rojas
- Institute of Sociology (ISUC), Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
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Schmit A, Schurr T, Frajo-Apor B, Pardeller S, Plattner B, Tutzer F, Conca A, Fronthaler M, Haring C, Holzner B, Huber M, Marksteiner J, Miller C, Perwanger V, Pycha R, Schmidt M, Sperner-Unterweger B, Hofer A. Long-term impact of resilience and extraversion on psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal investigation among individuals with and without mental health disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1304491. [PMID: 38426004 PMCID: PMC10902045 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1304491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Over the past years, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions in daily routines. Although the pandemic has affected almost everyone, it has been particularly challenging for people with pre-existing mental health conditions. Therefore, this study investigated the long-term impact of resilience and extraversion on psychological distress in individuals diagnosed with mental health disorders (MHD) compared to the general population. In addition, possible gender-specific differences were investigated. Methods 123 patients with pre-existing MHD and 343 control subjects from Austria and Italy participated in three online surveys that had been conducted after the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (t0), during the second lockdown in both countries (t1), and one year thereafter (t2). Participants completed standardized questionnaires on psychological distress (Brief-Symptom-Checklist), resilience (Resilience Scale), and extraversion (Big Five Inventory). A mediation model was employed to test the primary hypothesis. Possible gender-specific differences were analyzed using a moderated mediation model. Results The prevalence of psychological distress was consistently higher in patients compared to controls (t0: 37.3% vs. 13.2%, t1: 38.2% vs 11.7%, t2: 37.4% vs. 13.1%). This between-group difference in psychological distress at the first follow-up was fully mediated by baseline resilience scores (65.4% of the total effect). During the second-follow up, extraversion accounted for 18% of the total effect, whereas resilience slightly decreased to 56% of the total effect. Gender was not a significant moderator in the model. Conclusion Next to showing that people with MHD were particularly affected by the pandemic, these findings indicate that higher degrees of resilience and extraversion are related to less long-term psychological distress. Our findings stress the relevance of strengthening resilience and extraversion and to provide mental health support in times of crises, both to patients with MHD and the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Schmit
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Timo Schurr
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beatrice Frajo-Apor
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Silvia Pardeller
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Barbara Plattner
- Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Franziska Tutzer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Conca
- Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bolzano, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Martin Fronthaler
- Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Therapy Center Bad Bachgart, Rodengo, Italy
| | - Christian Haring
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy B, State Hospital Hall in Tyrol, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Bernhard Holzner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Markus Huber
- Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Brunico, Brunico, Italy
| | - Josef Marksteiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy A, State Hospital Hall in Tyrol, Hall in Tyrol, Austria
| | - Carl Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, County Hospital Kufstein, Kufstein, Austria
| | - Verena Perwanger
- Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Merano, Merano, Italy
| | - Roger Pycha
- Sanitary Agency of South Tyrol, Department of Psychiatry, General Hospital of Bressanone, Bressanone, Italy
| | - Martin Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry, County Hospital Lienz, Lienz, Austria
| | - Barbara Sperner-Unterweger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry II, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alex Hofer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology, Division of Psychiatry I, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Musso P, Inguglia C, Wiium N, Coco AL, Liga F, Albiero P, Bartolo MG, Cassibba R, Barrett M, Tenenbaum H, Burns MB, Ingoglia S. The role of late adolescents' emotion regulation in the experience of COVID-19 lockdown: A longitudinal study. Stress Health 2024. [PMID: 38193853 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic may be considered a unique mass-trauma experience. This study examined the relations between Italian late adolescents' emotion regulation strategies, their anxiety states, and their experience of the lockdown (in terms of discomfort related to restrictions, capacities to create new functional daily routines, and to find positive changes in one's own life) during the first wave of this pandemic. We analysed how participants' reports of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression were associated with anxiety states during the 2020 Italian COVID-19 lockdown (large scale physical distancing and movement restrictions) and one month after the lockdown restrictions had been removed. We also examined how cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and anxiety states were linked to late adolescents' experience of lockdown. The participants were 497 Italian adolescents, aged from 17 to 24 years (Mage = 21.11, SD = 1.83). A longitudinal structural equation modelling showed that emotion regulation strategies and anxiety states were not associated across time. Cognitive reappraisal was positively associated with routine reorganization and positive changes. In contrast, participants' expressive suppression was negatively related to their discomfort related to restrictions, ability to functionally reorganise their daily routine, and ability to find positive changes related to the COVID-19 emergency. Anxiety was positively linked to discomfort related to restrictions. The findings are discussed in light of the current literature related to emotion regulation and anxiety. Limitations and implications for practice are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Musso
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Cristiano Inguglia
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nora Wiium
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alida Lo Coco
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Liga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Paolo Albiero
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Bartolo
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Cassibba
- Department of Education, Psychology, Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Sonia Ingoglia
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Xu X, Yan X, Zhang Q, Xu C, Li M. The chain mediating role of psychological resilience and neuroticism between intolerance of uncertainty and perceived stress among medical university students in Southwest China. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:861. [PMID: 37990205 PMCID: PMC10664673 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05345-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical university students are confronted with unprecedented uncertainty and stress compared with their peers. Research has explored the effect of intolerance of uncertainty on perceived stress, but little attention was paid to investigate the mediating mechanisms behind this relationship, especially among medical university students. The aim of this study was to examine whether psychological resilience and neuroticism played a mediating role between medical university students' intolerance of uncertainty and perceived stress. METHODS A total of 717 medical university students from Chongqing in Southwest China were recruited to participate in our study and completed demographic information, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale Short Version (IUS-12), Chinese Version of Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ). RESULTS (1) Significant correlations between intolerance of uncertainty, perceived stress, psychological resilience and neuroticism were found. (2) Intolerance of uncertainty affected medical university students' perceived stress via three paths: the mediating effect of psychological resilience, the mediating effect of neuroticism, and the chain mediating effect of both psychological resilience and neuroticism. CONCLUSIONS Intolerance of uncertainty could directly affect the perceived stress of medical university students, and also affected perceived stress through the mediating roles of psychological resilience and neuroticism, as well as through the chain mediating role of these two variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Xu
- Department of Military Psychology, Faculty of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
- Department of Basic Psychology, Faculty of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaofan Yan
- Department of Military Psychology, Faculty of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Qianhui Zhang
- Department of Foreign Languages, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Military Psychology, Faculty of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
| | - Min Li
- Department of Military Psychology, Faculty of Medical Psychology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Carr D, Sheffler J, Meynadasy M, Schmidt B, Hajcak G, Sachs-Ericsson N. A longitudinal examination of the protective effect of resilience against anxiety among older adults with high COVID-related worry. Cogn Behav Ther 2023; 52:419-437. [PMID: 37039031 PMCID: PMC10523701 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2023.2191825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal study of community dwelling older adults (N = 453) examined consequences of COVID-related worries on changes in anxiety symptoms before relative to during the pandemic. We further evaluated if pre-COVID psychological resilience (PR) buffered the impact of COVID-related worry. Pre-COVID data were collected in September 2018. COVID-related worry and COVID anxiety symptoms were collected in October 2020 (Wave 2). Controlling for pre-COVID anxiety symptoms, we examined if COVID-related worries (e.g. I'm worried that I might die from COVID-19) were associated with increased anxiety symptoms, and whether pre-COVID PR moderated the association between COVID-related worries and prospective increases in anxiety symptoms. COVID-related worries were associated with increased anxiety symptoms (β = 0.005, p < .01), whereas pre-COVID PR was associated with a decrease in anxiety symptoms (β = -0.029, p < .05). PR moderated the association; COVID-related worries were associated with greater increases in anxiety symptoms among those with low pre-COVID PR (Model η2 = 0.35). Thus, the extent to which COVID-related worries influenced psychological health was dependent on pre-COVID levels of PR. We conclude the combined vulnerabilities of low pre-COVID PR and high COVID-related worries significantly increased the psychological consequences of COVID-19 for our sample of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Carr
- Department of Sociology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Julia Sheffler
- College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Melissa Meynadasy
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Brad Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Greg Hajcak
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Zagaria A, Vacca M, Cerolini S, Terrasi M, Bacaro V, Ballesio A, Baglioni C, Spinhoven P, Lombardo C. Differential Associations of Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies with Depression, Anxiety, and Insomnia in Adolescence and Early Adulthood. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20105857. [PMID: 37239583 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
While difficulties with emotion regulation (ER) are consistently linked to poor mental health in adulthood, findings in adolescence have been more mixed. Cognitive ER strategies, which involve the ability to manage emotions through mental processes, may be particularly important during different stages of development due to age-specific adjustments. We conducted two exploratory and cross-sectional studies to examine the relationships between cognitive ER strategies and mental health (i.e., depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms) in two samples: 431 young adults (Mage = 20.66 ± 2.21; 70% women and 30% men) and 271 adolescents (Mage = 14.80 ± 0.0.59; 44.6% girls and 55.4% boys). The participants completed a group of questionnaires, including the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Insomnia Severity Index, the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Youth Self Report. We employed hierarchical multiple regressions to assess the unique contribution of cognitive ER strategies to mental health outcomes. Maladaptive strategies (such as rumination and catastrophizing) were consistently associated with impaired mental health in both samples, while adaptive strategies (such as positive refocusing and positive reappraisal) were only associated with better mental health in young adults. These findings support the importance of cognitive ER strategies as potential risk factors for psychopathology and suggest that interventions aimed at improving emotion regulation may be beneficial. The age-specific differences in the relationship between cognitive ER strategies and mental health may reflect the refinement of emotion regulation abilities across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zagaria
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Cerolini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Terrasi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Bacaro
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballesio
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Baglioni
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Rome Guglielmo Marconi, 00193 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79098 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Philip Spinhoven
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Caterina Lombardo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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7
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Bouman T, Steg L. Worrying about the Consequences of COVID-19 for Distant Others Relates to Mitigative Actions. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2023; 38:902-912. [PMID: 34555983 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2021.1981564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
To mitigate the impacts and spread of COVID-19, drastic mitigative actions are demanded from individuals worldwide, including social distancing, health behaviors, and self-quarantining. A key question is what motivates individuals to take and support such actions. Early in the COVID-19 crisis, we hypothesized and found in two studies (in the Netherlands and United States) that stronger worries about potential consequences of COVID-19 for oneself and close others (i.e., family and friends), as well as more "distant" others (e.g., citizens in general, vulnerable populations), are associated with stronger engagement in actions to mitigate COVID-19. In line with reasoning on norm activation, we found that these associations were partly mediated by personal norms, reflecting individuals' feelings of being morally compelled and personally responsible to take mitigative actions. Importantly, individuals generally reported to worry more about consequences of COVID-19 for distant others than for themselves, and worries about distant others were more strongly related to mitigative actions than worries about oneself and close others. Our outcomes offer key novel insights to the health domain, highlighting the potential relevance of worrying about distant others and personal norms in motivating actions to mitigate global health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs Bouman
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen
| | - Linda Steg
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen
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Jabbari J, Bessaha M, Malik S, Ferris D, Brickman S, Schiff M, Pat-Horenczyk R, Grinstein-Weiss M, Frank T. How does social support relate to emotional availability for learning during COVID-19? A multi-group structural equation model of university students from the U.S. and Israel. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF EDUCATION 2023; 26:1-25. [PMID: 37362045 PMCID: PMC10074354 DOI: 10.1007/s11218-023-09783-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Given the social and emotional tolls of the COVID-19 pandemic on college and university students, many students have become academically disengaged during the pandemic. Although some colleges and universities have the capacity to promote social support for their students, research has yet to comprehensively demonstrate the relationship between social support and academic engagement. To fill this gap, we leverage survey results from four universities across the United States and Israel. Through multi-group structural equation modelling, we explore (a) how perceived social support relates to being emotionally unavailable for learning, (b) how this relationship is partially explained through coping and COVID-19 concerns, and (c) how these relationships can differ across countries. We find that students who perceived higher levels of social support had lower rates of being emotionally unavailable for learning. Part of this relationship occurred through greater rates of coping and, subsequently, fewer concerns about the pandemic. We also noticed significant differences in these relationships between countries. We conclude with a discussion of study implications for higher education policies and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Jabbari
- Social Policy Institute, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Melissa Bessaha
- School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
| | - Sana Malik
- School of Social Welfare, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
| | - Dan Ferris
- Social Policy Institute, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Sophie Brickman
- Psychology Department, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA
| | - Miriam Schiff
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ruth Pat-Horenczyk
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Grinstein-Weiss
- Social Policy Institute, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Tyler Frank
- Public Health Sciences, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
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Diotaiuti P, Valente G, Mancone S, Corrado S, Bellizzi F, Falese L, Langiano E, Vilarino GT, Andrade A. Effects of Cognitive Appraisals on Perceived Self-Efficacy and Distress during the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Empirical Analysis Based on Structural Equation Modeling. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5294. [PMID: 37047910 PMCID: PMC10094671 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 lockdown, individuals and households had to responsibly manage the difficulties and problems caused by the restrictions on their mobility, such as the interruptions to work schedules, insecure food supplies, and the procurement of services and health care. The perceptions of risk as well as the fear of disease were strongly linked to worry, defined as a sequence of thoughts that evoke negative emotions and elevated levels of anxiety and distress. This study evaluated how different cognitive appraisals of an individual's sources of worry could influence their perceived self-efficacy and directly or indirectly moderate their perceived general distress. A sample of 544 participants completed a survey that included questions based on the generalized self-efficacy scale, the sources of concern during the epidemic, the cognitive appraisal scale in emergency, and perceived discomfort. Subsequently, a structural-equation-modeling (SEM) analysis was performed to test the moderating role of cognitive appraisals and perceived self-efficacy on participants' overall distress during a lockdown. Overall, the model reported acceptable fit values and confirmed the hypotheses of the study. An individual's worries activated either a dysfunctional threat appraisal, which prompted a fear-and-closure response that then increased their overall state of distress; or two other functional appraisals (i.e., adaptive or supportive) that contributed to significantly improving the individual's self-efficacy. Higher self-efficacy was shown to be associated with lower levels of perceived distress. For the purposes of prevention and distress containment, it would be appropriate to promote psycho-educational interventions that promote the adoption of appraisal strategies that are functional and beneficial for perceived self-efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierluigi Diotaiuti
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valente
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Stefania Mancone
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Stefano Corrado
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Fernando Bellizzi
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Lavinia Falese
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Elisa Langiano
- Department of Human Sciences, Society and Health, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio, 03043 Cassino, Italy
| | - Guilherme Torres Vilarino
- Department of Human Movement Science, Santa Catarina State University, Florianòpolis 88035-901, Brazil
| | - Alexandro Andrade
- Department of Human Movement Science, Santa Catarina State University, Florianòpolis 88035-901, Brazil
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10
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Lin J, Li L, Pan N, Liu X, Zhang X, Suo X, Kemp GJ, Wang S, Gong Q. Neural correlates of neuroticism: A coordinate-based meta-analysis of resting-state functional brain imaging studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105055. [PMID: 36681370 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Neuroticism is one of the most robust higher-order personality traits associated with negative emotionality and risk of mental disorders. Many studies have investigated relationships between neuroticism and the brain, but the results have been inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis of whole-brain resting-state functional neuroimaging studies to identify the most stable neurofunctional substrates of neuroticism. We found stable significant positive correlations between neuroticism and resting-state brain activity in the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG), left striatum, and right hippocampus. In contrast, resting-state brain activity in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG) and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) was negatively associated with neuroticism. Additionally, meta-regression analysis revealed brain regions in which sex and age moderated the link of spontaneous activity with neuroticism. This is the first study to provide a comprehensive understanding of resting-state brain activity correlates of neuroticism, and the findings may be useful for the targeting of specific brain regions for interventions to decrease the risks of mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Lin
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lei Li
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Nanfang Pan
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiqin Liu
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xun Zhang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueling Suo
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Graham J Kemp
- Liverpool Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centre (LiMRIC) and Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Song Wang
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, China
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11
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Li H. I'm Offering You My Pain: Priming COVID-19 Salience Increases Everyday Sadism. Psychol Rep 2023:332941231159611. [PMID: 36823028 PMCID: PMC9950809 DOI: 10.1177/00332941231159611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its link to the emergence of everyday sadism is a matter of public concern worldwide. However, previous studies are nearly silent regarding the causal relationship between the two variables. We address this gap by theorizing that exposure to information about coronavirus can increase sadistic behavior by inducing state boredom. We conducted three complementary controlled experiments, which comprised multiple participants populations (N = 784, student and community samples) and measurement techniques of sadism, to test our theoretical perspective. Based on self-report measures, Study 1 found that Chinese university students who were exposed to a reminder of COVID-19 exhibited a higher level of everyday sadism than participants in the control condition. Study 2 replicated this finding in a more generalized population. Additionally, results revealed that state boredom mediated this effect. Moving beyond subjective self-report data in Studies 1 and 2, Study 3 assessed a different behavioral operationalization of sadistic tendencies, namely, shredding worms. As expected, priming COVID-19 salience has an immediate, statistically significant influence on sadistic behavior in impactful real-world contexts. Overall, these findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic not only has grave effects on economy and society, but has implications for the malevolent side of human nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Li
- Sichuan International Studies University, Chongqing, China
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12
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Wu Q, Chen B, Zhu J. Insights from COVID-19: Reflecting on the Promotion of Long-Term Health Policies in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2889. [PMID: 36833590 PMCID: PMC9957391 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
China announced the Healthy China Initiative (2019-2030) in 2019, an action program aimed to support the country's current long-term health policy, Healthy China 2030, which focuses on public health promotion and health awareness. Following the implementation of the policy, China had the COVID-19 pandemic, which had an influence on both the public's degree of health awareness and the adoption of the HCI. This research examines whether the COVID-19 epidemic has increased public understanding and acceptance of China's long-term health policy. In addition, it analyzes whether the Chinese public's awareness of health policy has been impacted by China's usage of smart healthcare in its response to the pandemic. To correspond to these study aims, we used a questionnaire based on the research questions and recent relevant research. The results of the study, based on an examination of 2488 data, demonstrate that the Healthy China Initiative is still poorly understood. More than 70% of respondents were unfamiliar with it. However, the results imply that respondents are becoming more aware of smart healthcare and that public acceptance of official health policies can be aided by the sharing of knowledge about this. As a result, we examine the situation and draw the conclusion that the spread of cutting-edge health-related technology can enhance the communication of health policy and provide participants and policymakers with fresh insights. Finally, this study also can provide lessons for other countries in the early stages of policy dissemination, particularly health policy advocacy and promotion during epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- Data Mining Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- School of Management, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Beian Chen
- School of Management, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianping Zhu
- Data Mining Research Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
- School of Management, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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13
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Thompson L, Christian C. "…It just broke me…": exploring the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academics. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:289. [PMID: 36471439 PMCID: PMC9724325 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-01008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2020 catapulted institutions of higher education into an emergency transition from face-to-face to online teaching. Given the nature of the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuing after-effects thereof, the study explored the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academics. METHODS A qualitative phenomenological research design was used to explore the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academics. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews from a sample of 11 full-time academics permanently employed at six public and private higher education institutions in South Africa in 2020 and 2021. The data were analysed by means of thematic analysis. RESULTS The study found that the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions had a largely negative psychological impact on academics in higher education. The most dominant negative emotions reported by participants included stress, anxiety, fear and guilt either due to the threat of the virus itself, potential for loss of life, lockdown restrictions, a new working environment, and/or their perceived inability to assist their students. Participants also reported feelings of emotional isolation and an increase in levels of emotional fatigue. CONCLUSION In conclusion, institutions of higher education need to be aware of the negative psychological impact of COVID-19 on academics, and ensure they create and foster environments that promote mental well-being. Institutions may offer psychological services and/or emotional well-being initiatives to their academic staff. They must create spaces and cultures where academics feel comfortable to request and seek well-being opportunities. In addition to mental and emotional well-being initiatives, institutions must provide academics with tangible teaching and learning support as this would go a long way in reducing much of the stress experienced by academics during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynette Thompson
- grid.442346.30000 0004 0419 6602School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The Independent Institute of Education, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Cindy Christian
- grid.442346.30000 0004 0419 6602School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, The Independent Institute of Education, Cape Town, South Africa
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14
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Bongelli R, Fermani A, Canestrari C, Riccioni I, Muzi M, Bertolazzi A, Burro R. Italian validation of the situational Brief Cope Scale (I-Brief Cope). PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278486. [PMID: 36454789 PMCID: PMC9714734 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) inventory is 14 faced scales used to assess coping strategies. It has been administered on different population samples and translated into several languages. Nonetheless, the Italian validation of its situational format is missing, and the present study aimed to fill this gap. To this end, the original English version of the scale was translated into Italian and administered to a sample of 682 Italian healthcare workers (HCWs), during the first wave of COVID-19. The Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (EFA and CFA) were performed and led to the validation of the Italian Brief COPE (I-Brief COPE) scale, consisting of 21 items, loading properly on 6 factors, which range from activation (F1) to deactivation (F2), via social support (F3), humorous reframing (F4), religious/spiritual reliance (F5), substances use (F6). The six factors identified represent, according to our analyses, the relevant dimensions of coping in a stressful situation such as COVID-19. The results of this study reveal that the I-Brief Cope can be considered as a valid tool for measuring coping strategies in facing stressful, unpredictable, and damaging events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Bongelli
- Department of Political Science, Communication and International Relations, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Alessandra Fermani
- Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
| | - Carla Canestrari
- Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
| | - Ilaria Riccioni
- Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
| | - Morena Muzi
- Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
| | - Alessia Bertolazzi
- Department of Political Science, Communication and International Relations, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
| | - Roberto Burro
- Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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15
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Barchielli B, Cricenti C, Gallè F, Sabella EA, Liguori F, Da Molin G, Liguori G, Orsi GB, Giannini AM, Ferracuti S, Napoli C. Climate Changes, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Russian-Ukrainian War: What Is the Impact on Habits Change and Mental Health? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11929. [PMID: 36231229 PMCID: PMC9565033 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate Change, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19, and Wars are some of the great challenges of our time. The consequences will affect psychological well-being and could have a harmful impact on mental health. This study aimed to assess the level of preoccupation and fears surrounding issues of the 21st-century and the implication for psychological well-being of the general population from Central/Southern Italy among different age groups. A questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, topics formulated ad-hoc about preoccupation, fears, habits, and willingness to change habits in the future related to the 21st-century challenges, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS-21) was administered online. A sample of 1831 participants (61% F; mean age 47.71 ± 17.30) was obtained. Results showed that young adults and older adults, respectively, reported greater and less psychological well-being. Young adults reported higher scores for preoccupation, changing habits, and willingness to change habits in the future, while older adults reported the lowest scores except for changing habits, also controlling for gender. Results for this variable, as well as correlations between the many variables described, rely on the specificity of age, and 21st-century challenges. Moreover, the main fears related to the 21st-century concerns were different based on both age and gender. In conclusion, the various stresses of the 21st-century discussed in this study have a relationship with personal well-being, and it is important to consider potential global mental health issues resulting from these stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Clarissa Cricenti
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Elita Anna Sabella
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70122 Bari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Liguori
- Family Psychotherapy Academy, Via Raffaele Morghen 181, 80129 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Da Molin
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70122 Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Orsi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy
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16
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Wu LC, Lien YW, Ju YJ. Escaping from worries: Comparing the effectiveness of focusing on one's breath, a neutral and a positive distractor in worry control. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 36157938 PMCID: PMC9483903 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03744-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Focused-distraction strategies are commonly used for thought control, but their effectiveness in handling personal worries with different types of distractors has rarely been examined. To examine this issue, 101 undergraduate and graduate students whose depression levels fell below mild depression were recruited (64.4% female, M age = 20.27) and were randomly assigned to one of the three strategy conditions: 34 participants for the focused-breathing strategy (FBS), 34 for the focused-positive-distractor strategy (FPS), and 33 for the focused-neutral-distractor strategy (FNS). After a short introduction and practice, they applied the assigned strategy during a 5-min worry control session to prevent thoughts regarding a recent worrying event. The number of worry intrusions was measured using an online self-caught method. Participants rated their emotional states before and after the worry control session. Their working memory capacities (WMCs) and depressive tendency were comparable across conditions. The results showed the FBS and FPS groups exhibited fewer worry intrusions than did the FNS group. Furthermore, worry intrusions were negatively related to WMC for the FNS group but independent of WMC for the other two. The above findings together indicate that the FBS and FPS are relatively effective and effortless methods for reducing worry intrusions. Negative emotions decreased after the worry control session for all groups. However, decoupling of negative emotions from worry intrusions was only observed for the FBS and FNS groups. Overall, FBS outperforms FPS and FNS in managing worries from the above aspects. Several theoretical and practical implications of the study were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Chen Wu
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sect. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yunn-Wen Lien
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sect. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617 Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Jeng Ju
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sect. 4, Roosevelt Rd., Taipei, 10617 Taiwan, Republic of China
- School of Occupational Therapy, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617 Taiwan, Republic of China
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17
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Yong X, Zhang L. COVID-19 Worry and Mental Health Among the Economically Active Population in Guangdong, China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:882177. [PMID: 35586016 PMCID: PMC9108278 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.882177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The rapid spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused people to worry, which has affected their mental health. This study aimed to access the impact of COVID-19 worry on the mental health of the economically active population (EAP) in a province of China. Methods An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted during an outbreak of COVID-19 in Guangdong, China. The survey used the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to evaluate participants' mental health status and was completed by 1,584 of the 1,708 participants (a response rate of 92.74%). Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models were used to identify the correlation between COVID-19 worry and mental health. Results Approximately 42.05% of participants reported that they were very worried or extremely worried about the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 worry was negatively correlated with mental health (p < 0.01) and exhibited a stronger influence on the mental health of participants who were male, younger (aged 16–45), or unemployed than on the mental health of participants who were women, older (aged over 45), or employed. Conclusion The findings suggest that COVID-19 worry has generated new inequalities in mental health among the EAP of China. The government should provide more public reassurance and psychological support to the EAP to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 worry and prevent mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yong
- School of Public Administration, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Economics and Trade, Hunan University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Li Zhang
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18
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Wu JS, Font X, McCamley C. COVID-19 social distancing compliance mechanisms: UK evidence. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 205:112528. [PMID: 34953882 PMCID: PMC8696958 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Non-compliance with social distancing (SD) measures clearly has negative effects on both public health and post-pandemic economic recovery. However, little is as yet known about people's views on and factors influencing their behavioral intentions toward SD measures. This study draws on moral disengagement theory and the norm-activation model to investigate mechanisms that promote or hinder compliance with SD measures. A longitudinal research approach was adopted to compare changes in the main factors over three periods of the COVID-19 pandemic in England (UK). The results reveal significant differences between the three periods regarding intentions to comply with SD measures, altruistic value, moral obligation and moral disengagement, with no significant change in ascription of responsibility. Residents showed the strongest intentions to comply with SD measures during the first national lockdown, with the highest moral obligation and lowest moral disengagement levels, compared with the lowest intention to comply during the first re-opening period. Altruistic value is important in promoting moral obligation and compliance with SD measures, whereas the predictive powers of ascription of responsibility and moral disengagement were weaker than expected. These findings offer guidance to policymakers and researchers in developing more effective policies and public communication strategies. The results suggest that communication is key to normalizing SD compliance, which can be achieved most effectively by fostering residents' altruistic value and moral considerations. Particular attention must be paid to re-opening periods between lockdowns, with clear messages to remind residents of prosocial aspects of SD compliance and public health. In addition to appropriate communication and education, technologies such as apps, QR codes and contactless shopping settings may also be used to facilitate compliance with SD measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Snow Wu
- Huddersfield Business School, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK.
| | - Xavier Font
- School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK; Department of Business and Economics, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Claire McCamley
- Huddersfield Business School, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
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19
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Smith LE, Potts HW, Amlȏt R, Fear NT, Michie S, Rubin GJ. Worry and behaviour at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak: Results from three UK surveys (the COVID-19 rapid survey of Adherence to Interventions and responses [CORSAIR] study). Prev Med Rep 2022; 25:101686. [PMID: 34976599 PMCID: PMC8711138 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to describe worry and uptake of behaviours that prevent the spread of infection (respiratory and hand hygiene, distancing) in the UK at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak (January and February 2020) and to investigate factors associated with worry and adopting protective behaviours. Three cross-sectional online surveys of UK adults (28 to 30 January, n = 2016; 3 to 6 February, n = 2002; 10 to 13 February 2020, n = 2006) were conducted. We used logistic regressions to investigate associations between outcome measures (worry, respiratory and hand hygiene behaviour, distancing behaviour) and explanatory variables. 19.8% of participants (95% CI 18.8% to 20.8%) were very or extremely worried about COVID-19. People from minoritized ethnic groups were particularly likely to feel worried. 39.9% of participants (95% CI 37.7% to 42.0%) had completed one or more hand or respiratory hygiene behaviour more than usual in the last seven days. Uptake was associated with greater worry, perceived effectiveness of individual behaviours, self-efficacy for engaging in them, and having heard more information about COVID-19. 13.7% (95% CI 12.2% to 15.2%) had reduced the number of people they had met. This was associated with greater worry, perceived effectiveness, and self-efficacy. At the start of novel infectious disease outbreaks, communications should emphasise perceived effectiveness of behaviours and the ease with which they can be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise E. Smith
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response, UK
| | | | - Richard Amlȏt
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response, UK
- UK Health Security Agency, Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UK
| | - Nicola T. Fear
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
- King’s Centre for Military Health Research and Academic Department of Military Mental Health, King’s College London, UK
| | - Susan Michie
- University College London, Centre for Behaviour Change, UK
| | - G. James Rubin
- King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, UK
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emergency Preparedness and Response, UK
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20
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Matiz A, Fabbro F, Paschetto A, Urgesi C, Ciucci E, Baroncelli A, Crescentini C. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Affect, Fear, and Personality of Primary School Children Measured During the Second Wave of Infections in 2020. Front Psychiatry 2022; 12:803270. [PMID: 35111088 PMCID: PMC8801446 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.803270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In relation to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, a large body of research has identified a negative impact on individuals' affectivity, frequently documented by increased prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms. For children, this research was less extensive, was mainly based on caregivers' reports and neglected personality assessment. In order to measure the impact of the pandemic, and the fears it caused, on primary school children's affect and personality, 323 (180 boys and 143 girls) Italian third, fourth and fifth graders were assessed between October and November 2020, namely during the second wave of COVID-19 infections in Italy, with validated self-reports of affect (Positive and Negative Affect Scale for Children, PANAS-C), fear of COVID-19 (Fear of COVID-19 Scale, FCV-19S) and personality (junior Temperament and Character Inventory, jTCI). In comparison with PANAS-C and jTCI normative scores collected prior to the pandemic, data obtained from children in 2020 showed unchanged affect scores in the overall sample, a decrease of Positive Affect in girls, and a decrease in the Harm Avoidance and an increase in the Self-Transcendence scales of personality. Fear of COVID-19 scores were positively correlated with Negative Affect scores and negatively predicted by children's personality profile of resilience (calculated using scores on the Harm Avoidance and the Self-Directedness scales of personality). These results suggested that Italian primary school children, especially boys, maintained their pre-pandemic levels of affect (or restored them after the first COVID-19 wave) and partially diverged from the typical development of personality in an apparently positive sense, namely toward more courageous/optimistic and spiritual profiles. This sort of children's post-traumatic growth might also be attributed to children's family and education systems, which should continue to be supported to promote and maintain community mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Matiz
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Fabbro
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Paschetto
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Cosimo Urgesi
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Lecco, Italy
| | - Enrica Ciucci
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Baroncelli
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristiano Crescentini
- Department of Languages and Literatures, Communication, Education and Society, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Institute of Mechanical Intelligence, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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21
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Cincidda C, Pizzoli SFM, Pravettoni G. Remote Psychological Interventions for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: Scoping Review. JMIR Cancer 2022; 8:e29745. [PMID: 35014956 PMCID: PMC8790693 DOI: 10.2196/29745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cancer and survivors may experience the fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), a preoccupation with the progression or recurrence of cancer. During the spread of COVID-19 in 2019, patients and survivors experienced increased levels of FCR. Hence, there is a greater need to identify effective evidence-based treatments to help people cope with FCR. Remotely delivered interventions might provide a valuable means to address FCR in patients with cancer. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to first discuss the available psychological interventions for FCR based on traditional cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs) or contemporary CBTs, in particular, mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, and then propose a possible approach based on the retrieved literature. METHODS We searched key electronic databases to identify studies that evaluated the effect of psychological interventions such as CBT on FCR among patients with cancer and survivors. RESULTS Current evidence suggests that face-to-face psychological interventions for FCR are feasible, acceptable, and efficacious for managing FCR. However, there are no specific data on the interventions that are most effective when delivered remotely. CONCLUSIONS CBT interventions can be efficacious in managing FCR, especially at posttreatment, regardless of whether it is delivered face to face, on the web, or using a blended approach. To date, no study has simultaneously compared the effectiveness of face-to-face, web-based, and blended interventions. On the basis of the retrieved evidence, we propose the hypothetical program of an intervention for FCR based on both traditional CBT and contemporary CBT, named Change Of Recurrence, which aims to improve the management of FCR in patients with cancer and survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clizia Cincidda
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Francesca Maria Pizzoli
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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22
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Durosini I, Triberti S, Sebri V, Giudice AV, Guiddi P, Pravettoni G. Psychological Benefits of a Sport-Based Program for Female Cancer Survivors: The Role of Social Connections. Front Psychol 2021; 12:751077. [PMID: 34899491 PMCID: PMC8664561 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.751077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of sports-based interventions for improving health and quality of life in chronic patients, participants could develop meaningful social relationships that affect their well-being as much as intervention activities. In this study, 80 female cancer survivors participated in a running-based group intervention (2 sessions/week; 1.5 h), while 51 acted as controls. The intervention lasted approximately 5 months. Unfortunately, the length of the intervention was reduced and sport activities were altered by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown mid-intervention, while the shared therapy sessions continued online. This possibly altered the results, as anxiety, depression, and physical aspects did not show significant differences between the experimental and control groups after the intervention. Participants reported positive comments on the experience as a whole, especially regarding the positive influence of the newly developed social connections. This was corroborated by significant correlations between group perceived cohesion and anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and positive experience with the group psychological support. Overall, it is possible to suggest that in the program an important role was played by social connections and support, peer influence and the group experience, preserving positive experiential qualities of the intervention even if it was altered by external circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Durosini
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Triberti
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Sebri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alice Viola Giudice
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Guiddi
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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23
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Bellingtier JA, Mund M, Wrzus C. The role of extraversion and neuroticism for experiencing stress during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:1-11. [PMID: 34903948 PMCID: PMC8655714 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02600-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Although long postulated, it has been scarcely researched how personality traits play out differently in distinct situations. We examined if Neuroticism and Extraversion, personality traits known to moderate stress processes, function differently in highly stressful situations requiring reduced social contact, that is, the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on past findings, we expected neuroticism to be associated with exacerbated perceptions of stress. In contrast to past findings, we expected extraversion, which usually ameliorates stress, to be associated with intensified perceptions of stress, especially in regard to the sociability facet. During the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, one-hundred-thirty adults (age M = 21.7 years) reported on their personality traits including their facets with the BFI-2, COVID-19-related stressors, and their perceived stress during the last month (using the PSS). Findings indicated that neuroticism was associated with higher perceived stress regardless of the COVID-19-related stressors experienced. Facet level analysis revealed differences for anxiety, depression, and volatility. Importantly, trait extraversion was unassociated with stress experiences, whereas specifically the facet of sociability was associated with higher perceived stress. Also, the facets of assertiveness and energy both moderated the relationship between COVID-19-related stressors and perceived stress. In line with the transactional theory of stress, our findings indicate that perceptions of stress were best understood by looking at the interaction of environmental stressors and personality differences. Furthermore, the study substantiates that facets of personality traits offer unique information beyond broad traits in specific contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Bellingtier
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Am Steiger 3, Haus 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Marcus Mund
- Department of Psychological Assessment and Personality Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Cornelia Wrzus
- Department of Psychological Aging Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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24
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Samuels J, Holingue C, Nestadt PS, Bienvenu OJ, Phan P, Nestadt G. An investigation of COVID-19 related worry in a United States population sample. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 144:360-368. [PMID: 34735840 PMCID: PMC8531673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although general anxiety has increased markedly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, little has been reported about the demographic distribution of COVID-19 related worry, its relationship with psychological features, and its association with depression symptoms in the United States (US). METHODS 2117 participants, selected to represent the age, gender, and race/ethnic distributions of the US population, completed an online survey. Analysis of variance and correlation analyses were used to assess relationships between the COVID-19 related worry score and demographic characteristics, past psychiatric diagnoses, personality dimensions, and current psychological symptoms. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the COVID-19 worry score and depression symptoms. RESULTS The COVID-19 worry score was markedly higher in younger (18-49 year-olds) than older participants, and moderately higher in men, those who were married or cohabiting, with post-college education, and/or living in large urban areas. The COVID-19 worry score also was markedly higher in those who reported having been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. The COVID-19 worry score correlated with neuroticism, current psychological symptoms, and COVID-19 risk and COVID-19 behavior scores. The COVID-19 worry score was associated with current depression symptoms (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.09-1.11; p < 0.001) in univariable models and remained significant after adjustment for other correlates of depression, including COVID-19 risk. CONCLUSIONS In this US sample, the COVID-19 worry score was inversely related to age, strongly related to psychological symptoms, and independently associated with depression symptoms. These findings have implications for the community mental health response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the US.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Samuels
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Department of Mental Health, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Paul S. Nestadt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - O. Joseph Bienvenu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Phillip Phan
- The Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, Baltimore, MD, 21202, USA,Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Gerald Nestadt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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25
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Meltzer GY, Chang VW, Lieff SA, Grivel MM, Yang LH, Des Jarlais DC. Behavioral Correlates of COVID-19 Worry: Stigma, Knowledge, and News Source. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:11436. [PMID: 34769952 PMCID: PMC8583421 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Non-adherence to COVID-19 guidelines may be attributable to low levels of worry. This study assessed whether endorsing COVID-19-stigmatizing restrictions, COVID-19 knowledge, and preferred news source were associated with being 'very worried' versus 'not at all' or 'somewhat' worried about contracting COVID-19. Survey data were collected in July-August 2020 from N = 547 New York State (NYS) and N = 504 national Amazon MTurk workers. Respondents who endorsed COVID-19 stigmatizing restrictions (NYS OR 1.96; 95% CI 1.31, 2.92; national OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.06, 3.08) and consumed commercial news (NYS OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.21, 2.96; national OR 1.93; 95% CI 1.24, 3.00) were more likely to be very worried. National respondents who consumed The New York Times (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.00, 2.29) were more likely to be very worried, while those with little knowledge (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.13, 0.43) were less likely to be very worried. NYS (OR 2.66; 95% CI 1.77, 4.00) and national (OR 3.17; 95% CI 1.95, 5.16) respondents with probable depression were also more likely to be very worried. These characteristics can help identify those requiring intervention to maximize perceived threat to COVID-19 and encourage uptake of protective behaviors while protecting psychological wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Y. Meltzer
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
| | - Virginia W. Chang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
- Department of Population Health, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Sarah A. Lieff
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
| | - Margaux M. Grivel
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
| | - Lawrence H. Yang
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA; (V.W.C.); (S.A.L.); (M.M.G.); (L.H.Y.)
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Don C. Des Jarlais
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA;
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26
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Ongaro G, Cincidda C, Sebri V, Savioni L, Triberti S, Ferrucci R, Poletti B, Dell’Osso B, Pravettoni G. A 6-Month Follow-Up Study on Worry and Its Impact on Well-Being During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in an Italian Sample. Front Psychol 2021; 12:703214. [PMID: 34721150 PMCID: PMC8549434 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.703214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Italian state adopted serious safety measures to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020. The lockdown was associated with negative psychological consequences in healthy populations, mostly in terms of anxiety, distress, depression, and even traumatic symptoms. This longitudinal study aimed at briefly documenting the psychological impact among an Italian sample, in terms of worry and its impact on psychological well-being levels, of the first wave of COVID-19, taking into account the changes in the lockdown scenario. A three-time follow-up survey was administered to 177 subjects (Female: 78%, M age = 36.33), during (T0), at the end (T1), and 3 months after the end of the first lockdown (T2). Since the first wave of COVID-19, results showed a decrease in worry and the perception of virus diffusion's controllability over time while psychological well-being increased. Furthermore, factors such as personality traits (neuroticism and agreeableness) and dysfunctional coping strategies predicted increases in worry levels at the end of the lockdown and 3 months after in the Italian context. However, worry levels during and at the end of the lockdown did not predict well-being levels 3 months after the end of the lockdown. Based on these findings, mental health policymakers should design tailored interventions able to improve the perception of virus diffusion management, as well as address the psychological needs of Italian citizens and support it, including a plan for the follow-up evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ongaro
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clizia Cincidda
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Sebri
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Savioni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Triberti
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Clinic III, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ca’ Granda Foundation Maggiore Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- Department of Neurology and Laboratory of Neuroscience, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell’Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, Department of Mental Health, University of Milan, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy
- CRC Aldo Ravelli, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Gabriella Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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27
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Petrocchi S, Iannello P, Ongaro G, Antonietti A, Pravettoni G. The interplay between risk and protective factors during the initial height of the COVID-19 crisis in Italy: The role of risk aversion and intolerance of ambiguity on distress. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 41:437-448. [PMID: 33776380 PMCID: PMC7978462 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to test a model of relations to ascertain the determinants of distress caused by lockdown for COVID-19. It was hypothesized that the exposure to the COVID-19 increased distress directly and through the mediation of worry, health-related information seeking, and perception of the utility of the lockdown. It was also expected that higher levels of ambiguity intolerance corresponded to higher distress directly and through the mediation of worry, health information seeking behaviors, and perceived utility of the lockdown. Finally, it was expected that risk aversion positively influenced distress directly and through the increasing of worry, health-related information seeking behavior, and more positive perception of the utility of the lockdown The study was conducted in Italy during the mandatory lockdown for COVID-19 pandemic on 240 individuals (age range 18-76). Data recruitment was conducted via snowball sampling. COVID-19 exposure was positively associated with worry and health-related information seeking. Risk-aversion was positively associated with health-related information seeking and perceived utility of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. Worry and health-related information seeking were positively associated with distress, whereas the perceived utility of the lockdown was negatively associated with distress. Intolerance for the ambiguity was directly linked to distress with a positive sign. Findings suggest that risk aversion represents both a risk factor and a protective factor, based on what kind of variable mediates the relationship with distress, and that the intolerance to the ambiguity is a risk factor that busters distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Petrocchi
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20132 Milan, MI Italy
| | - P. Iannello
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Ongaro
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20132 Milan, MI Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato–Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Antonietti
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20132 Milan, MI Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato–Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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