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Akbari M, Seydavi M, Zamani E, Jamshidi S, Freeston MH. Intolerance of Uncertainty as a Situational Vulnerability Factor in the Context of the Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of COVID-19-Related Psychological Impacts. Clin Psychol Psychother 2024; 31:e3046. [PMID: 39222918 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.3046] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is widely accepted as a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor for a range of mental health problems. It is considered a transsituational vulnerability factor associated with a range of responses to different stressful life situations. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine the association between IU and specific psychological responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and the moderators of this relationship drawn from IU research and other studies on COVID-19. METHOD The studies included were as follows: (i) English-language articles published in peer-reviewed journals or thesis/dissertations; (ii) reporting specific psychological impacts of COVID-19; (c) reporting IU; (iii) case-control studies, prospective cohort studies, experimental studies and cross-sectional studies of large populations and (iv) reporting correlation coefficients between the variables of interest. Studies on participants with a diagnosis of neurological and/or organic impairment were excluded. The databases searched were Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest, up until 31 December 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias Utilized for Surveys Tool (ROBUST, Nudelman et al., 2020). Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the one-study remove method, and studentized residuals and Cook's distance were examined. A random effects model was used. RESULTS We examined the association between IU and COVID-19-related psychological impacts across 85 studies from 22 countries (N = 69,997; 64.95% female; mean sample age, 32.90 ± 9.70). There was no evidence of publication bias. We found a medium and positive association between IU and COVID-19-related psychological impacts (N = 69,562, r = 0.35, k = 89, 95% CI [0.32, 0.37]), which was independent of the IU measure used or whether the psychological impact was measured in relation to the virus alone or broader aspects of the pandemic. It was also independent of severity, publication year, sample type and size, study quality, age and sample levels of anxiety, depressive symptoms, stress, mental well-being and social support. However, the observed association varied significantly between countries and country income levels (stronger among low-incomes) and across genders (stronger among males) and was stronger for measures with greater reliability and more items, but lower among samples with more people who had been exposed to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS The findings support that IU is a higher order transsituational vulnerability factor related to cognitive, behavioural and distress responses during the pandemic. Limitations include English-language-only sources, reliance on a wide range of measures that were coded using a novel system and variable risk of bias across studies. The implications are considered in relation to the management of psychological consequences of major situational stressors experienced at a global scale, but the variations at a national and socioeconomic level also have implications for different or localized stressors at a regional or community level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Akbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Seydavi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Zamani
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Jamshidi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mark H Freeston
- School of Psychology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Peterson AD, Kibbey MM, Farris SG. Linguistic analysis of health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299462. [PMID: 38408056 PMCID: PMC10896548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Health anxiety, which is defined as fear of having or contracting serious physical illness, is particularly salient in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a mixed methods study in which 578 narrative samples were analyzed using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software to determine linguistic markers from six LIWC categories relevant to cognitive-behavioral features of health anxiety. Broad linguistic predictors were analyzed through three backward elimination regression models in order to inform subcategory predictors of each area of health anxiety. Thus, both broad and specific linguistic predictors of general health anxiety, virus-relevant body vigilance, and fears of viral contamination were examined. Greater use of affective category words in written narratives predicted general health anxiety, as well as body vigilance and viral contamination fears. These findings represent the first direct demonstration of linguistic analysis of health anxiety and provide nuanced information about the nature and etiology of health anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D Peterson
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Mindy M Kibbey
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Samantha G Farris
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
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Emmanuelli B, Araujo GD, Knorst JK, Tagliari CVDC, Baldissera BS, Tuchtenhagen S. Social capital and possible bruxism during the COVID-19 pandemic among Brazilian undergraduates. Braz Oral Res 2023; 37:e108. [PMID: 37970928 DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2023.vol37.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of possible bruxism and its association with social capital among undergraduates during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a private university in Southern Brazil. Data were collected through a self-administered electronic questionnaire (Google Forms). Possible bruxism was measured using the following question: "Do you grind your teeth or clench your jaws?". Social capital was evaluated using individual social networks. Data on self-perceived oral health, anxiety, sociodemographics, and information related to university graduates were also collected. Adjusted logistic regression models with a hierarchical approach were used to evaluate associations. The results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs). Altogether, 345 undergraduates participated in the study, with a mean age of 21.8 years (standard deviation = 5.21). The prevalence of bruxism in the sample was 57.1%. Undergraduates with low social capital had 2.06 times greater odds of bruxism than their counterparts (OR 2.06; 95%CI 1.11-3.83). Female undergraduates (OR 2.40, 95%CI 1.39-4.12), those who were in the final year of university (OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.04-1.21), and those who perceived they needed dental treatment (OR 1.91; CI: 1.21-3.02) also had greater odds of possible bruxism. In conclusion, the prevalence of possible bruxism was high among undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated with lower social capital levels. Knowledge of these factors is important to identify risk groups and plan strategies to control bruxism in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Emmanuelli
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM, School of Dentistry, Department of Stomatology, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela de Araujo
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM, School of Dentistry, Department of Stomatology, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Jessica Klockner Knorst
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria - UFSM, School of Dentistry, Department of Stomatology, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Camila Vieira da Cunha Tagliari
- Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões, School of Dentistry, Department of Health Science, Erechim, RS, Brazil
| | - Bruna Slomp Baldissera
- Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões, School of Dentistry, Department of Health Science, Erechim, RS, Brazil
| | - Simone Tuchtenhagen
- Universidade Regional Integrada do Alto Uruguai e das Missões, School of Dentistry, Department of Health Science, Erechim, RS, Brazil
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Hong Y, An H, Cho E, Ahmed O, Ahn MH, Yoo S, Chung S. Psychometric properties of the Korean version of questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs about COVID-19 in the general population. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1132169. [PMID: 37484663 PMCID: PMC10356985 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1132169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs about COVID-19 in the general population in South Korea. In addition, we investigated how the various sections interacted with each other and with viral anxiety and depression, and ultimately affected adherence to physical distancing. Methods An anonymous online survey was conducted among members of the general population in South Korea between 10 and 18 January 2022. We recruited 400 respondents and measured their demographic information, symptoms, and responses to questions about COVID-19. First, we examined the reliability and validity of the questionnaires, which included questions about people's adherence to physical distancing guidelines and COVID-19-related health beliefs. Second, we examined the relationship between physical distancing and viral anxiety or depression, as assessed using the six-item Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics (SAVE-6) scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Results All 400 participants (204 men, age 41.6 ± 10.8) completed the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good model fit for adherence to physical distancing (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.019, RMSEA = 0.000, and SRMR = 0.034) and health beliefs about COVID-19 (CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.991, RMSEA = 0.030, and SRMR = 0.052). It also showed good reliability for Factor I (Cronbach's α = 0.826) and Factor II (α = 0.740). Four categories of the COVID-19 health beliefs questionnaire also showed good reliability for perceived susceptibility (α = 0.870), perceived severity (α = 0.901), perceived benefit (α = 0.935), and barriers to following physical distancing (α = 0.833). Structural equation models showed that the effects of health beliefs and viral anxiety and depression were mediated mostly by personal injunctive norms. Goodness-of-fit measures indicated a good fit. (Chi-square = 24.425, df = 7, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.966; RMSEA = 0.079). Conclusion The Korean version of the COVID-19 adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs questionnaires showed good reliability and validity in the Korean general population. In addition, the effects of health beliefs, along with viral anxiety and depression, were mainly mediated by personal injunctive norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjin Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoyoung An
- Department of Psychiatry, Keyo Hospital, Uiwang, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Eulah Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Oli Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Myung Hee Ahn
- Division of Psychiatry, Health Screening and Promotion Center, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Yoo
- Department of Convergence Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seockhoon Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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MacDonald HZ. Risk and resilience factors associated with college students' psychological distress and PTSD symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-15. [PMID: 36595583 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2155053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective: College students are experiencing pronounced mental health difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known, however, about underlying risk and resilience factors contributing to students' psychological health during this time. The current study examined mindfulness, resilience, coping, emotion regulation, and daily hassles as possible predictors of COVID-19 concern, psychological distress, and PTSD symptoms in a sample of college students. Participants: One hundred and thirty-five undergraduate college students participated in this study during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Participants completed a series of self-report questionnaires. Results: Risk and resilience factor hierarchical regression models were run separately to predict the three outcomes. Daily hassles, ethnicity, and first-generation college student status predicted greater COVID-19 concern; daily hassles and difficulties with emotion regulation predicted greater psychological distress; daily hassles, difficulties with emotion regulation, avoidant coping, and problem-focused coping positively predicted PTSD symptoms. Acting with awareness mindfulness and continuing-generation college student status predicted lower COVID-19 concern; acting with awareness mindfulness, nonjudging mindfulness, and resilience predicted lower psychological distress; acting with awareness mindfulness, nonjudging mindfulness, and resilience also predicted lower PTSD symptomatology. Conclusions: Identifying underlying factors associated with college students' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic may facilitate the development and implementation of targeted preventative interventions aimed at promoting well-being in this uniquely vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Z MacDonald
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Emmanuel College, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Psychological Correlates of Health anxiety in Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: a Cross-Sectional Online Study in Iran. Int J Cogn Ther 2023; 16:103-122. [PMID: 36407051 PMCID: PMC9645315 DOI: 10.1007/s41811-022-00152-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Current models suggest health anxiety as a fundamental variable associated with fear and anxiety related to COVID-19. The investigation was carried out in separate two studies on the Iranian population. The first study aims to test the COVID-19 Anxiety Inventory (N = 202). The findings indicate a two-factor structure of the scale. Participants (N = 1638) completed the online survey anonymously in the second study, including the COVID-19 Anxiety Inventory, Short Health Anxiety Inventory, The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, Body Vigilance Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21, and Contamination Cognitions Scale. Results showed that health anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, and body vigilance would significantly contribute to fears of contracting COVID-19. Moreover, the findings support a central role of intolerance of uncertainty in predicting COVID-19 anxiety. The study results provided both theoretical and practical implications for understanding psychosocial predictors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Falla-Aliabadi S, Heydari A, Fatemi F, Yoshany N, Lotfi MH, Sarsangi A, Hanna F. Impact of social and cultural factors on incidence, transmission and control of Coronavirus disease in Iran: a qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2352. [PMID: 36522718 PMCID: PMC9753076 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14805-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID-19 pandemic has had mixed reactions from nations, people and governments about ways to cope with, prevent and control the disease. The current study identifies social, cultural and policy factors affecting the incidence and control of Coronavirus disease in Iran. METHODS A qualitative study consists of content analysis as well as the views of 20 experienced and knowledgeable subjects specialized in social and cultural health management. The data were gathered using three semi-structured interviews and then continued by 17 semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was done using Graneheim approach. After each interview, the recorded audio files transcript and reviewed. Then codes extracted and divided to categories and sub-categories. RESULTS There are distinct social and cultural factors in coping with Coronavirus disease. These consisted of three categories of governance, individual and community related factors. A total of 17 subcategories and 215 primary codes that were extracted from the text of interviews as variables of the study and in relation to the research question. Ten subdomains of governance including vaccination, political issues, knowledge, support services, administrative services, transportation, health and treatment, culturalization, legislation and, managerial and financial policies impacted the spread and mitigation of the pandemic at various levels. CONCLUSION The management of pandemics requires a comprehensive capacity for identifying and determining social and cultural criteria. A healthy partnership between governments and the community may be required to remove unnecessary obstacles that hinder public health attempt to alleviate the risk. The obtained criteria and indicators from this study may be utilized by policy makers in an attempt to strengthen protocols for mitigating pandemics. Further studies may be warranted to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Falla-Aliabadi
- Department of Health in Emergencies and Disasters, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Accident Prevention and Crisis Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ahad Heydari
- Department of Health in Disaster and Emergencies, School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Farin Fatemi
- Social Determinant of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Nooshin Yoshany
- Department of Health education and Promotion, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasan Lotfi
- Departments of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alireza Sarsangi
- GIS and Remote Sensing Department, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fahad Hanna
- Program of Public Health, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, VIC Australia
- Higher Education College, Chisholm Institute, Dandenong, VIC Australia
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Interoceptive anxiety-related processes: Importance for understanding COVID-19 and future pandemic mental health and addictive behaviors and their comorbidity. Behav Res Ther 2022; 156:104141. [PMID: 35752013 PMCID: PMC9212258 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with an increased prevalence of mental health problems and addictive behaviors. There is a growing theoretical and empirical evidence that individual differences in interoceptive anxiety-related processes are a one set of vulnerability factors that are important in understanding the impact of pandemic-related mental health problems and addictive behavior. However, there has not been a comprehensive effort to explore this rapidly growing body of research and its implications for public health. In this paper, we discuss why interoceptive anxiety-related processes are relevant to understanding mental health and addictive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We then provide a narrative review of the available COVID-19 literature linking interoceptive fear and anxiety-related processes (e.g., anxiety sensitivity, health anxiety, and COVID-19 anxiety, fear, and worry) to mental health and addictive behaviors. We then propose a novel transdiagnostic theoretical model that highlights the role of interoceptive anxiety-related processes in mental health and addictive behavior in the context of the present and future pandemics. In the final section, we utilize this conceptualization to underscore clinical implications and provide guidance for future research initiatives in the management of COVID-19 mental health and addictive behaviors and inform the public health field for future pandemics.
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Fitzgerald HE, Parsons EM, Indriolo T, Taghian NR, Gold AK, Hoyt DL, Milligan MA, Zvolensky MJ, Otto MW. Worrying But Not Acting: The Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty in Explaining the Discrepancy in COVID-19-Related Responses. COGNITIVE THERAPY AND RESEARCH 2022; 46:1150-1156. [PMID: 35975190 PMCID: PMC9372948 DOI: 10.1007/s10608-022-10321-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Research indicates that Intolerance of Uncertainty (IU) is associated with COVID-19 emotional responses, but not necessarily with engaging in COVID-19 preventative behaviors. The current study was designed to further evaluate this discrepancy. Participants (N = 454) completed self-report forms about COVID-19 emotional responses (i.e., fear, worry, sensitivity to symptoms) and COVID-19 behavioral interference/responses (i.e., interference in daily activities, interference due to worry, and engagement in preventative behaviors). IU was positively associated with COVID-19-related emotional responses as well as two of the COVID-19-related behavioral interference/responses (i.e., interference in daily activities and interference due to worry), but negatively predicted engagement in COVID-19 preventative behaviors. Exploratory analyses revealed a significant indirect effect of IU on lower engagement in preventative behaviors through lower belief in the effectiveness of such behaviors. Thus, we further document the role of IU in statistically predicting higher distress but lower levels of adaptive health behaviors. Furthermore, we provide preliminary support for the hypothesis that these relationships may be explained by associations between IU and lower belief in the efficacy of health behaviors. Because some current analyses indicate small effect sizes, future studies should investigate IU alongside other potentially important markers. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10608-022-10321-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley E. Fitzgerald
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd Floor, 02215 Boston, MA United States
| | - E. Marie Parsons
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd Floor, 02215 Boston, MA United States
| | - Teresa Indriolo
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd Floor, 02215 Boston, MA United States
- Present Address: Liver Center, Gastrointestinal Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 55 Fruit St.,, 02114 Boston, MA USA
| | - Nadine R. Taghian
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd Floor, 02215 Boston, MA United States
| | - Alexandra K. Gold
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd Floor, 02215 Boston, MA United States
| | - Danielle L. Hoyt
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd Floor, 02215 Boston, MA United States
- Present Address: Department of Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 53 Avenue E, 08854 Piscataway, NJ United States
| | - Megan A. Milligan
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd Floor, 02215 Boston, MA United States
- Present Address: Department of Agriculture, Nutrition, and Food Systems, University of New Hampshire, 129 Main St., 03824 Durham, New Hampshire United States
| | - Michael J. Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX USA
- Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
- HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Michael W. Otto
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 900 Commonwealth Ave., 2nd Floor, 02215 Boston, MA United States
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Schnabel K, Petzke TM, Witthöft M. The emotion regulation process in somatic symptom disorders and related conditions - A systematic narrative review. Clin Psychol Rev 2022; 97:102196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2022.102196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Vedhara K, Ayling K, Jia R, Fairclough L, Morling JR, Ball JK, Knight H, Blake H, Corner J, Denning C, Bolton K, Jackson H, Coupland C, Tighe P. Relationship Between Anxiety, Depression, and Susceptibility to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection: Proof of Concept. J Infect Dis 2022; 225:2137-2141. [PMID: 35022740 PMCID: PMC8807218 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological factors can influence susceptibility to viral infections. We examined whether such influences are evident in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. METHODS Participants (n = 102) completed measures of anxiety, depression, positive mood, and loneliness and provided a blood sample for the measurement of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 was significantly negatively associated with anxiety and depression. The model remained significant after adjustment for age and gender, although anxiety and depression were no longer significant independent predictors. CONCLUSIONS These findings offer early support for the hypothesis that psychological factors may influence susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Vedhara
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kieran Ayling
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ru Jia
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Fairclough
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne R Morling
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan K Ball
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Knight
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Holly Blake
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Corner
- University Executive Board, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Denning
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsty Bolton
- School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah Jackson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Carol Coupland
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Patrick Tighe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Chung S, Lee T, Hong Y, Ahmed O, Silva WAD, Gouin JP. Viral Anxiety Mediates the Influence of Intolerance of Uncertainty on Adherence to Physical Distancing Among Healthcare Workers in COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:839656. [PMID: 35733798 PMCID: PMC9207240 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.839656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aims of this study were to examine the mediation effect of viral anxiety of healthcare workers on the influence of their intolerance of uncertainty on the adherence to physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS An online survey was conducted among 329 healthcare workers (female: 81.4%, nursing professionals: 59.0%, and shift workers: 22.3%) on November 29, 2021. Participants responded to questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing, health beliefs, and perceived social norms, and rating scales of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), and the Intolerance of Uncertainty-12 items (IUS-12) scale. RESULTS Adherence to physical distancing of healthcare workers was predicted by perceived benefits of physical distancing (β = 0.13, p = 0.01), personal injunctive norms (β = 0.32, p < 0.001), SAVE-6 score (β = 0.13, p = 0.02), and IUS-12 score (β = 0.10, p = 0.045) (adjusted R2 = 0.21, F = 22.3, p < 0.001). Viral anxiety mediated the association between intolerance of uncertainty and adherence to physical distancing but not the influence of perceived benefits and personal injunctive norms on adherence to physical distancing. CONCLUSION We observed that viral anxiety of healthcare workers mediated the association between intolerance of uncertainty and adherence to physical distancing. During this pandemic, exploring adherence to physical distancing and its predicting factors will be helpful for the safety of healthcare workers and the patients for whom they care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seockhoon Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Taeyeop Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youjin Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, GangNeung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, South Korea
| | - Oli Ahmed
- Department of Psychology, University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh.,National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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13
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Alhalal E, Alkhair Z, Alghazal F, Muhaimeed F, Halabi R. Fear of contamination among older adults in the post-COVID-19 era. Geriatr Nurs 2022; 48:1-7. [PMID: 36095886 PMCID: PMC9424512 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2022.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This study assesses older adults' fear of contamination in the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, examining the factors associated with this fear and investigating its effects on their well-being and use of primary healthcare, considering the moderating effects of activities of daily living (ADL) and multimorbidity in these two relationships. A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare centers in three regions in Saudi Arabia with a convenience sample of 444 older adults diagnosed with chronic diseases. The results indicated that 77.9% of older adults had high contamination fear, predicted by their age, education level, gender, ADL, and previous COVID-19 infection experience. Subjective well-being and the number of primary healthcare visits in the post-COVID-19 era were negatively affected by contamination fear and both ADL and multimorbidity moderated these relationships. In conclusion, the study confirmed the need to focus on older adults' contamination fear to mitigate its negative effects on well-being and critical primary healthcare visits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Alhalal
- Community and Mental Health Nursing Department, Nursing College, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia,Corresponding author
| | - Zainab Alkhair
- Qatif Health Centers Administration, Qatif Health Network, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Rehab Halabi
- The Administration of School Health Affairs, Makkah Health Care Cluster, Saudi Arabia
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14
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Letzel-Alt V, Pozas M, Schneider C. "I miss my school!": Examining primary and secondary school students' social distancing and emotional experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic. PROSPECTS 2022; 51:673-684. [PMID: 36254220 PMCID: PMC9555703 DOI: 10.1007/s11125-022-09621-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid spread of Covid-19, countries around the world implemented strict protocols ordering schools to close. As a result, educational institutions were forced to establish a new form of schooling by implementing emergency remote education. Learning from home during the Covid-19 pandemic brought numerous changes, challenges, and stressors to students' daily lives. In this context, major concerns have been raised based on the reports of students' negative experiences resulting from social distancing and isolation. Given the impact of Covid-19 on many aspects of students' lives, in particular their social and school experiences, research that provides insights into the consequences of this health crisis for students' well-being has become important. This study aims to explore students' experiences of social distancing and its relation to their negative emotional experiences during Germany's first Covid-19-related school closure. Findings indicate that both primary and secondary students missed their friends and classmates and that primary school students perceived higher levels of social distancing. However, a linear regression analysis indicated that the older the students were, the more negatively affected they were by social distancing. The implications of the study's results and further lines of research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Letzel-Alt
- Section for Teacher Education and Research, University of Trier, Universitätsring 15, 54296 Trier, Germany
| | - Marcela Pozas
- Professional School of Education, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany ,School of Psychology, University of Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Christoph Schneider
- Section for Teacher Education and Research, University of Trier, Universitätsring 15, 54296 Trier, Germany
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15
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Rogers AH, Zvolensky MJ. Transdiagnostic vulnerability factors for behavioral health problems during COVID-19. Cogn Behav Ther 2021; 50:179-184. [PMID: 34018469 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2021.1897667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The novel 2019 SARS-2-CoV causing COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the entire world. COVID-19 is a broad-based stressor, and research to date has documented increases in mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and substance use, since the onset of COVID-19. By taking a transdiagnostic approach, scholars can help elucidate mechanisms and vulnerability as well as resiliency related to behavioral health problems in the context of COVID-19. The aim of the current special issue of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy was to showcase ongoing research focused on transdiagnostic factors in the context of COVID-19. The purpose of this issue is to highlight the significance of this work in the pandemic for research and practice; illustrate some of the many domains currently being explored via innovative approaches; and explicate fruitful areas for programmatic study. We hope that readers will recognize the important role of transdiagnostic models and their potential to offset the mental, addictive, and physical health disease burden of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Rogers
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael J Zvolensky
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,HEALTH Institute, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA,
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16
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Mertens G, Duijndam S, Smeets T, Lodder P. The latent and item structure of COVID-19 fear: A comparison of four COVID-19 fear questionnaires using SEM and network analyses. J Anxiety Disord 2021; 81:102415. [PMID: 33962142 PMCID: PMC8091728 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2021.102415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), several reports have shown that fear relating to COVID-19 has sharply increased. To measure fear of COVID-19, various questionnaires have been developed in parallel. However, fear concerning COVID-19 is not necessarily a uniform construct and the different questionnaires may cover diverse aspects. To examine the underlying structure of fear of COVID-19, we conducted structural equation modelling and network analyses on four scales in an online convenience sample (N = 829). Particularly, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (Ahorsu et al., 2020), the Fear of the Coronavirus Questionnaire (Mertens et al., 2020), and the COVID Stress Scales (Taylor, Landry, Paluszek, Fergus et al., 2020, Taylor, Landry, Paluszek, Rachor et al., 2020) were included in our study, along with a new scale that also assessed socio-economic worries relating to COVID-19. We found that fear of COVID-19 was best classified into four clusters: Fear of health-related consequences, fear of supplies shortages and xenophobia, fear about socio-economic consequences, and symptoms of fear (e.g., compulsions, nightmares). We also find that a central cluster of items centered on fear of health, which likely represents the core of fear of COVID-19. These results help to characterize fear due to COVID-19 and inform future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëtan Mertens
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
| | - Stefanie Duijndam
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Tom Smeets
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Lodder
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department of Methodology and Statistics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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