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Bucaktepe PGE, Akgül F, Çelİk SB. Evaluation of the effects of pandemic-related fears on anxiety and depression: the mediating roles of traumatic stress and loneliness. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:388. [PMID: 38997784 PMCID: PMC11241983 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01880-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The detrimental mental health effects which emerged from COVID-19 have profoundly affected healthcare workers (HCWs) worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effects of traumatic stress and loneliness on the fears of contracting and dying from COVID-19, and anxiety and depression of HCWs during the pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was completed by HCWs in a province of Turkey. The Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, Impact of Events Scale-Revised and numerical rating scales (for fears of COVID-19 and loneliness) were used and a bootstrap approach was used in the analyses with SPSS PROCESS macro software. RESULTS Of the HCWs evaluated, 150 (34.4%) were doctors, with a mean duration of work experience of 10.6 ± 7.5 years. The results indicated that fear of contracting COVID-19 was directly related to anxiety (β = 0.244, p < 0.001) and depression (β = 0.135, p < 0.01) and that traumatic stress and loneliness mediated the relationships between the fear of contracting COVID-19 and anxiety (β = 0.435, p < 0.001; β = 0.235, p < 0.001, respectively) and depression (β = 0.365, p < 0.001; β = 0.294, p < 0.001, respectively). The fear of dying from COVID-19 was determined to be directly associated with anxiety (β = 0.190, p < 0.001) but not with depression (β = 0.066, p = 0.116), and traumatic stress and loneliness mediated the relationships between the fear of dying from COVID-19 and anxiety (β = 0.476, p < 0.001; β = 0.259, p < 0.001, respectively) and depression (β = 0.400, p < 0.001; β = 0.311, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The study results demonstrated the important roles of traumatic stress and loneliness in exacerbating the negative consequences of fears of COVID-19 on anxiety and depression, and provide insights for identifying HCWs at greater risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fethiye Akgül
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Batman Training and Research Hospital, Batman, Turkey
| | - Sercan Bulut Çelİk
- Batman GAP Family Health Center, Provincial Health Directorate, Batman, Turkey
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2
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Choi Y. Exploring the impact of pandemic fear on visitation to park attractions in urban city: A case study in Seoul, South Korea. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301869. [PMID: 38625971 PMCID: PMC11020851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This research explores changes in perceptions and utilization of parks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Seoul, South Korea. It investigates the relationship between fear of the pandemic and individuals' opinions about open spaces and their visiting decisions. The study surveyed 600 adults from February 22-23, 2022, and used structural equation modeling to analyze the data. The findings revealed that increased fear of the pandemic led to more positive park sentiments, resulting in higher park visits and fewer visits to other public spaces. The research highlights the significance of parks during the COVID-19 pandemic and how people's perceptions were influenced by their pandemic-related fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunwon Choi
- Climate & Environment Data Center, Gyeonggi Research Institute, Jangan-gu, Suwon City, Gyeonggi Province, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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3
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Wollast R, Preece DA, Schmitz M, Bigot A, Gross JJ, Luminet O. The role of self-compassion in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic: a group-based trajectory modelling approach. Cogn Emot 2024; 38:103-119. [PMID: 37882199 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2023.2270201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Research has suggested an increase in loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic, but much of this work has been cross-sectional, making causal inferences difficult. In the present research, we employed a longitudinal design to identify loneliness trajectories within a period of twelve months during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belgium (N = 2106). We were particularly interested in the potential protective role of self-compassion in these temporal dynamics. Using a group-based trajectory modelling approach, we identified trajectory groups of individuals following low (11.0%), moderate-low (22.4%), moderate (25.7%), moderate-high (31.3%), and high (9.6%) levels of loneliness. Findings indicated that younger people, women, and individuals with poor quality relationships, high levels of health anxiety, and stress related to COVID-19, all had a higher probability of belonging to the highest loneliness trajectory groups. Importantly, we also found that people high in two of the three facets of self-compassion (self-kindness and common humanity) had a lower probability of belonging to the highest loneliness trajectory groups. Ultimately, we demonstrated that trajectory groups reflecting higher levels of loneliness were associated with lower life satisfaction and greater depressive symptoms. We discuss the possibility that increasing self-compassion may be used to promote better mental health in similarly challenging situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Wollast
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Research Institute for Psychological Sciences, UCLouvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - David A Preece
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Mathias Schmitz
- Research Institute for Psychological Sciences, UCLouvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Alix Bigot
- Research Institute for Psychological Sciences, UCLouvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - James J Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Olivier Luminet
- Research Institute for Psychological Sciences, UCLouvain, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
- Fund for Scientific Research (FRS-FNRS), Brussels, Belgium
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4
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Bonsaksen T, Ruffolo M, Price D, Leung J, Thygesen H, Lamph G, Kabelenga I, Geirdal AØ. Associations between social media use and loneliness in a cross-national population: do motives for social media use matter? Health Psychol Behav Med 2023; 11:2158089. [PMID: 36618890 PMCID: PMC9817115 DOI: 10.1080/21642850.2022.2158089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to examine the association between social media use and loneliness two years after the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. METHODS Participants were 1649 adults who completed a cross-sectional online survey disseminated openly in Norway, United Kingdom, USA, and Australia between November 2021 and January 2022. Linear regressions examined time spent on social media and participants' characteristics on loneliness, and interactions by motives for social media use. RESULTS Participants who worried more about their health and were younger, not employed, and without a spouse or partner reported higher levels of loneliness compared to their counterparts. More time spent on social media was associated with more loneliness (β = 0.12, p < 0.001). Three profile groups emerged for social media use motives: 1) social media use motive ratings on avoiding difficult feelings higher or the same as for maintaining contact; 2) slightly higher ratings for maintaining contact; and 3) substantially higher ratings for maintaining contact. Time spent on social media was significant only in motive profile groups 2 and 3 (β = 0.12 and β = 0.14, both p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that people who use social media for the motive of maintaining their relationships feel lonelier than those who spend the same amount of time on social media for other reasons. While social media may facilitate social contact to a degree, they may not facilitate the type of contact sought by those who use social media primarily for this reason.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore Bonsaksen
- Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Social and Health Science, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway,Department of Health, Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Stavanger, Norway, Tore Bonsaksen Department of Health and Nursing Science, Faculty of Social and Health Science, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Mary Ruffolo
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Daicia Price
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Janni Leung
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hilde Thygesen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway,Department of Health, Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gary Lamph
- School of Nursing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac Kabelenga
- Department of Social Development Studies, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, The University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia,Zambian Center for Poverty Reduction and Research Limited, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Amy Østertun Geirdal
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Social Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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5
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Völker B. Networks in lockdown: The consequences of COVID-19 for social relationships and feelings of loneliness. SOCIAL NETWORKS 2023; 72:1-12. [PMID: 35968494 PMCID: PMC9359936 DOI: 10.1016/j.socnet.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
This paper studies social network changes during the COVID-19 crisis in the Netherlands and their relation to perceived loneliness for the younger and the older cohorts. Arguments from opportunity theory and social capital theory are used to formulate hypotheses on network changes during the pandemic. Core discussion networks and networks with practical helpers from two representative cohorts (18-35 years of age and 65+ years of age, n = 1342 participants in both waves) during the lockdown in May 2020 are compared with networks of the same respondents in May 2019. We find that networks became smaller and more focused on stronger ties, while weaker ties more often decayed. Feelings of loneliness incsreased on average for all respondents and in particular for those who live alone or have a disadvantaged socioeconomic position. Importantly, the decrease in the number of the practical helper network, that is, decline in relatively weaker ties, affects experiences of loneliness in both groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Völker
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Human Geography and Planning, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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6
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Chang PY, Shih FY, Lee MB, Lin CF, Lyu SY. Risk Perceptions, Level of Government Trust, and Psychological Distress During COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:3313-3327. [PMID: 36411861 PMCID: PMC9675398 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s375722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading worldwide, causing mental health concerns among people. People's perceptions of the disease affect their psychological adaptation and health outcomes. In this study, we present people's perceptions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), level of government trust, and their psychological distress during the pandemic for examining the impact of peoples' COVID-19 perceptions on their mental health. PATIENTS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted through a telephone survey in Taiwan in April 2020. Participants were randomly selected for telephone screening using a computer-assisted telephone interviewer system. A total of 1098 participants aged more than 20 years participated in the survey. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 47.7 ± 16.4 years. After controlling for covariates, participants who were worried about contracting COVID-19, those who believed that they had a chance of being infected with COVID-19, those who were reluctant to visit the hospital for fear of contracting the virus, those who felt that the pandemic had affected their daily life, and those with low levels of trust in the government's capacity to manage the pandemic had anxiety, hostility, depression, interpersonal sensitivity/inferiority, and psychological symptoms. CONCLUSION People's perception of COVID-19 and public's trust in the government's ability to respond to the pandemic are related to psychological distress. Although the Taiwanese government may have undertaken effective epidemic control measures to address with the COVID-19 pandemic, this crisis may have still caused mental health problems in the general population. Health professionals and policy makers should pay more attention to high-risk groups among those at risk for developing mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Ya Chang
- Department of Leisure Industry and Health Promotion, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fuh-Yuan Shih
- Department of Emergency Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Been Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Feng Lin
- Keelung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Keelung, Taiwan
- Department of Health Care Management, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Health Care Administration, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Yu Lyu
- Department of Leisure Industry and Health Promotion, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
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7
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Ebling S, Ebrahimi OV, Johnson SU, Skjerdingstad N, Hoffart A. Psychological well-being in times of COVID-19: Associated factors and levels in the general population. Front Public Health 2022; 10:860863. [PMID: 36262228 PMCID: PMC9574009 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.860863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and living under social distancing restrictions have been hypothesized to impact well-being and mental health in the general population. This study investigated the general Norwegian adult population's well-being after implementing and lifting strict social distancing restrictions. The study was conducted through digital surveys; during the implementation of strict social distancing restrictions in March 2020 (T1) and 3 months later, when the preponderance of strict distancing restrictions was discontinued (T2). Well-being was measured at T2. Four thousand nine hundred twenty-one individuals participated, and a sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure that the sample reflects the true Norwegian adult population. Hierarchical regression analyses show that contemporaneous employment status and positive metacognitions at T2 were associated with higher well-being. Negative metacognitions and the use of unhelpful coping strategies at T2 had a contemporaneous association with lower mental well-being. Negative metacognitions at T1 were associated with lower well-being scores, while positive metacognitions at T1 were positively associated with higher well-being. An indirect association between social distancing and lower well-being was found through heightened depressive symptoms. These results contribute to understanding how social distancing restrictions relate to general well-being, which may further contribute to designing proper strategies to strengthen mental health and well-being during challenging and unavoidable societal conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ebling
- Department of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,*Correspondence: Sara Ebling
| | - Omid V. Ebrahimi
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Sverre Urnes Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway
| | | | - Asle Hoffart
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway
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8
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Furstova J, Kascakova N, Sigmundova D, Zidkova R, Tavel P, Badura P. Perceived stress of adolescents during the COVID-19 lockdown: Bayesian multilevel modeling of the Czech HBSC lockdown survey. Front Psychol 2022; 13:964313. [PMID: 36248520 PMCID: PMC9558731 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.964313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Long-term isolation, including lockdowns and quarantines, may have a distressing effect on anyone experiencing it. Adolescent brain architecture is very sensitive to environmental adversities, and the mental health development of adolescents may be particularly vulnerable during the pandemic era. In order to better understand the triggers for perceived adolescent stress (PSS) during the COVID-19 lockdown, the present study aimed to assess the effects of social well-being and changes in time use during the lockdown, as well as the family COVID experience of adolescents. Methods The sample for this study comprised n = 3,440 adolescents (54.2% girls; mean age = 13.5 ± 1.6 years). Bayesian correlations between PSS, health and well-being variables were assessed. PSS was then modeled as an outcome variable in a series of nested Bayesian multilevel regression models. Results The negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown was more apparent in girls. PSS was moderately correlated with adolescent health and well-being. The strongest predictor of higher level of PSS was frequent feeling of loneliness. On the contrary, lower level of PSS was most associated with having someone to talk to. Conclusion Long-term social isolation of adolescents could be harmful to their mental health. Psychological coping strategies to prevent the consequences of social isolation and development of mental health problems should be promoted on the individual, family, and even community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Furstova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jana Furstova,
| | - Natalia Kascakova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
- Psychiatric-Psychotherapeutic Outpatient Clinic, Pro Mente Sana, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dagmar Sigmundova
- Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Radka Zidkova
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Peter Tavel
- Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Petr Badura
- Faculty of Physical Culture, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
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9
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Lee H, Chu HS. The effects of changes in daily life due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults in Korea. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2022; 31:974-984. [PMID: 35416403 PMCID: PMC9111562 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to identify the effects of daily life changes due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional and secondary data analysis study collected and analysed the data of 72 335 older adults aged older than 65 who participated in the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey. Changes in daily life due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic were measured by changes in physical activity, sleep duration, consumption of instant foods or soda drinks, alcohol consumption, smoking, and social contact compared to before the pandemic as perceived by the participants. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depressive symptoms, and multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between the two. After adjusting for socio-demographic and health-related factors, changes in daily life due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic that affected depressive symptoms in older adults living in the community were observed. This study confirmed that changes in daily life due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of older adults. Thus, there is a need to improve social support and care systems, by including non-face-to-face programmes using remote communication technology. It will allow older adults to maintain their daily lives and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyi Lee
- College of Nursing, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeon Sik Chu
- College of Nursing, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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10
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McLean CL, Chu GM, Karnaze MM, Bloss CS, Lang AJ. Social support coping styles and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: The moderating role of sex. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:106-110. [PMID: 35429530 PMCID: PMC9005353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to the onset and exacerbation of mental health problems, such as stress, anxiety, and depression; yet stay-at-home-orders affected individuals' ability to make use of social support as a coping skill in managing distress. We aimed to evaluate how social support (emotional and instrumental) and biological sex were associated with stress, anxiety, and depression early in the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Participants (n = 7256) had an average age of 50.13 years (SD = 16.75) and 51.6% were male. Using a cross-sequential design, seven cohorts of individuals completed baseline (T1) and one-month follow-up (T2) questionnaires online from March to July of 2020. We used a series of hierarchical regressions to identify types of social support (Brief-COPE, T1) associated with stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10, T1 and T2), anxiety and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-4, T2). RESULTS Greater emotional support was associated with less perceived stress, anxiety and depression (all ps < 0.001), whereas greater instrumental support predicted increased distress (all ps < 0.036) on all four outcomes. Moderation analyses revealed that greater emotional social support was associated with lower perceived stress at T1 for both women and men, with a stronger association for women relative to men. For women, greater emotional social support predicted lower anxiety. LIMITATIONS Self-selection may have introduced bias and participant self-report on brief measures may not have fully captured coping and distress. CONCLUSIONS Interventions enhancing emotional social support strategies, which appear especially important for women, might help manage enduring stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin L McLean
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, United States of America; University of California San Diego (UCSD), United States of America.
| | - Gage M Chu
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, United States of America; University of California San Diego (UCSD), United States of America
| | - Melissa M Karnaze
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UCSD, United States of America; Center for Empathy and Technology, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, UCSD, United States of America
| | - Cinnamon S Bloss
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UCSD, United States of America; Center for Empathy and Technology, T. Denny Sanford Institute for Empathy and Compassion, UCSD, United States of America
| | - Ariel J Lang
- University of California San Diego (UCSD), United States of America; Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, UCSD, United States of America; VA San Diego Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), United States of America
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11
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Stubbs JM, Achat HM. Are healthcare workers particularly vulnerable to loneliness? The role of social relationships and mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:100050. [PMID: 35502333 PMCID: PMC9044694 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2022.100050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Loneliness is a major public health issue with renewed prominence due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social restrictions. Healthcare workers (HCWs) may be at heightened risk, but research is lacking. We measured the prevalence of loneliness among HCWs during the pandemic in 2020 and examined pre-pandemic predictors and pandemic experiences associated with loneliness. HCWs at a designated COVID-19 hospital in Sydney, Australia completed an online survey examining health and well-being before and during the pandemic and changes to work, family and social experiences. Loneliness had negatively affected the well-being of 129 (39%) respondents (n = 330). Pre-pandemic factors predicting loneliness were younger age (<30years compared to ≥50years), having ever been told you had a mental health problem and living alone. These became non-significant when pandemic-related factors were added to the regression. Less contact with family and friends, increased conflict at home, and living alone or with family but not a partner, increased the odds of loneliness, while a sense of camaraderie with colleagues had the opposite effect. Psychological distress and poor mental health during the pandemic were also positively associated with loneliness. Efforts to promote congenial social contacts may be effective in averting loneliness among HCWs.
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12
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Ebrahimi OV, Burger J, Hoffart A, Johnson SU. Within- and across-day patterns of interplay between depressive symptoms and related psychopathological processes: a dynamic network approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Med 2021; 19:317. [PMID: 34844588 PMCID: PMC8629696 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02179-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to understand the intricate patterns of interplay connected to the formation and maintenance of depressive symptomatology, repeated measures investigations focusing on within-person relationships between psychopathological mechanisms and depressive components are required. METHODS This large-scale preregistered intensive longitudinal study conducted 68,240 observations of 1706 individuals in the general adult population across a 40-day period during the COVID-19 pandemic to identify the detrimental processes involved in depressive states. Daily responses were modeled using multi-level dynamic network analysis to investigate the temporal associations across days, in addition to contemporaneous relationships between depressive components within a daily window. RESULTS Among the investigated psychopathological mechanisms, helplessness predicted the strongest across-day influence on depressive symptoms, while emotion regulation difficulties displayed more proximal interactions with symptomatology. Helplessness was further involved in the amplification of other theorized psychopathological mechanisms including rumination, the latter of which to a greater extent was susceptible toward being influenced rather than temporally influencing other components of depressive states. Distinctive symptoms of depression behaved differently, with depressed mood and anhedonia most prone to being impacted, while lethargy and worthlessness were more strongly associated with outgoing activity in the network. CONCLUSIONS The main mechanism predicting the amplifications of detrimental symptomatology was helplessness. Lethargy and worthlessness revealed greater within-person carry-over effects across days, providing preliminary indications that these symptoms may be more strongly associated with pushing individuals toward prolonged depressive state experiences. The psychopathological processes of rumination, helplessness, and emotion regulation only exhibited interactions with the depressed mood and worthlessness component of depression, being unrelated to lethargy and anhedonia. The findings have implications for the impediment of depressive symptomatology during and beyond the pandemic period. They further outline the gaps in the literature concerning the identification of psychopathological processes intertwined with lethargy and anhedonia on the within-person level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid V. Ebrahimi
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital and Research Center, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Julian Burger
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- University Medical Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Asle Hoffart
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital and Research Center, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Sverre Urnes Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital and Research Center, Vikersund, Norway
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