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Kampe L, Hörz-Sagstetter S, Bohn J, Remmers C. How personality functioning relates to psychological distress and behavioral attitudes during the Covid-19 pandemic. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-023-01722-7. [PMID: 38183464 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01722-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Functional aspects of personality are crucial for experiencing and handling emotional distress. With the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus and the subsequent installation of mitigation rules of social distancing, severe psycho-social challenges were posed upon people. Research has shown that individuals react differently to these challenges. This study aimed to investigate the role of dimensional aspects of personality during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, we examined how personality functioning, defense mechanisms, and narcissism were related to psychological distress and cognitive and behavioral attitudes towards the rules of social distancing. In a non-clinical sample (N = 254), Level of Personality Functioning Scale, Inventory of Personality Organization, Defense Style Questionnaire, Pathological Narcissism Inventory, and three single questions regarding emotional distress and behavioral attitudes towards the pandemic were used. Structural equation models with reference and residual factors were calculated. Impairments in personality functioning and vulnerable narcissism showed significant positive relationships, adaptive defense mechanisms significant negative relationships with psychological distress during the pandemic. Residual factors for aggression and low moral values showed distinct negative relationships with psychological distress related to social distancing. Among individuals who chose to ignore the rules of social distancing, greater impairment in personality organization was found. Personality functioning may elucidate individual differences in psychological distress and compliance with the mitigation rules during the pandemic. Limitations of measures are carefully considered in all interpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Kampe
- Department of Psychological Diagnostics, International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, Stromstrasse 1, 10555, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Susanne Hörz-Sagstetter
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Bohn
- Department of Education and Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carina Remmers
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
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Regzedmaa E, Ganbat M, Sambuunyam M, Tsogoo S, Radnaa O, Lkhagvasuren N, Zuunnast K. A systematic review and meta-analysis of neuroticism and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1281268. [PMID: 38250262 PMCID: PMC10797059 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1281268] [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: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In response to the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about mental health, particularly anxiety levels, have become prominent. This study aims to explore the relationship between neuroticism, a personality trait associated with emotional instability, and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the Cochrane Library, HINARI, Google Scholar, and PUBMED, resulting in the identification of 26 relevant papers. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO under the number CRD42023452418. Thorough meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis V4 software. Results Meta-analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between anxiety and neuroticism, with 26 studies supporting this association (OR = 3.213, 95% CI 2.352 to 4.391). The findings underscore the importance of considering personality traits, particularly neuroticism, in understanding psychological responses to major global crises such as the COVID-19 epidemic. Discussion The observed connection between neuroticism and heightened anxiety levels emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, especially for individuals with high levels of neuroticism. Further research into potential therapeutic approaches for mitigating anxiety consequences in the context of a significant global catastrophe is warranted. Systematic Review Registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#CRD42023452418.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkhtuvshin Regzedmaa
- Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Mandukhai Ganbat
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Munkhzul Sambuunyam
- School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Solongo Tsogoo
- School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Otgonbayar Radnaa
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Nasantsengel Lkhagvasuren
- Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Khishigsuren Zuunnast
- Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
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Strand LB, Eilertsen ME, Moksnes UK, Andre B. Nursing Students' Experiences on Psychosocial Learning Environment, Personal and Social Challenges and Communication in Periods of Social Isolation: A Qualitative Study. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580241227021. [PMID: 38263715 PMCID: PMC10807381 DOI: 10.1177/00469580241227021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the global COVID-19 pandemic outbreak and the Norwegian government declared lockdown to stop the virus from spreading. In Norway, universities were immediately closed, and all teaching and learning were done digitally for the rest of the spring semester 2020. Our aim was to explore nursing students experience with studying and learning, as well as the psychological consequences it may incur during a period of social isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The study is a qualitative study based on a focus group with 6 nursing students. The analysis was conducted following Kvale's approach to qualitative analysis. Three main categories were identified: (1) psychosocial learning environment, (2) personal and social challenges, and (3) communication. We found that the restrictions due to social isolation and pandemic restrictions such as closing of the university campus, has impacted students` study situation significantly, both psychosocially and academically. If social isolation should be necessary in the future, universities need to use methods such as group discussions, quizzes, and short breaks in the lectures to prevent unnecessary problems among the students. Personal challenges due to the social isolation, such as anxiety or other mental health issues are more difficult to avoid or prevent, but the universities must be better prepared to give students more personal communication, have unformal meetings and providing more information to the students in times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Beate Strand
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mary-Elizabeth Eilertsen
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- NTNU Center for Health Promotion Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Unni Karin Moksnes
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- NTNU Center for Health Promotion Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Beate Andre
- Department of Public Health and Nursing, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- NTNU Center for Health Promotion Research, Trondheim, Norway
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Nejat P, Heirani-Tabas A, Nazarpour MM. Moral foundations are better predictors of belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories than the Big Five personality traits. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1201695. [PMID: 37691810 PMCID: PMC10484408 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1201695] [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: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, various conspiracy theories regarding the virus proliferated in the social media. This study focused on the sociodemographic, personality, and moral predictors of these beliefs. More specifically, we asked whether moral values predict belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories over and above sociodemographic variables and the Big Five personality traits. According to Moral Foundations Theory, five cross-cultural moral foundations are more broadly categorized under individualizing (Care & Fairness) and binding (Loyalty, Authority, & Sanctity) foundations. A sixth moral foundation was Liberty which we included along with binding and individualizing foundations. Participants were 227 Iranians (mean age = 31.43, SD = 12.61, 75.3% female) who responded to Moral Foundations Questionnaire and Liberty items, a range of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, and the 10-Item Personality Measure of the Big Five. Among demographic variables, religiosity and socioeconomic status were the strongest determinants of conspiracy beliefs regarding the origin of Coronavirus. Among the Big Five, only extraversion predicted these beliefs in a positive direction. Moral foundations, most notably Authority and Sanctity, showed incremental predictive power over both demographic variables and the Big Five personality traits. Findings are discussed in light of the role of social media in dissemination of conspiracy beliefs regarding the pandemic. They point to the more relevance of moral foundations, particularly binding foundations, than the Big Five in the context of pandemic-related conspiracy beliefs, and add to the literature on the unique contribution of moral foundations to socio-political attitudes across cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pegah Nejat
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education and Psychology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Haver A, Krampe H, Danbolt LJ, Stålsett G, Schnell T. Emotion regulation moderates the association between COVID-19 stress and mental distress: findings on buffering, exacerbation, and gender differences in a cross-sectional study from Norway. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1121986. [PMID: 38427783 PMCID: PMC10325689 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1121986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Maintaining good mental health is important during a crisis. However, little attention has been given to how people achieve this, or how they evaluate emotions associated with stressors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to (1) investigate whether emotion regulation, in particular cognitive reappraisal and suppression, moderates the relationship between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress and (2) examine gender differences in the interrelations between COVID-19 stress, emotion regulation, and mental distress. Methods Data from a population in Norway (n = 1.225) were collected using a cross-sectional survey during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Emotion regulation was measured using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire Scale (ERQ), COVID-19 stress with the COVID-19 Stress Scale, and mental distress with the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4). Moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. Results There was a strong association between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress (r = 0.61). The moderation analyses showed substantial moderation effects of cognitive reappraisal and suppression on the relationship between COVID-19 stress and mental distress. Cognitive reappraisal served as a buffer (p = 0.001) and suppression (p = 0.002) exacerbated the relation between COVID-19 stress and mental distress. Men had higher scores of suppression (p < 0.001), and women had higher scores of cognitive reappraisal (p = 0.025). The buffering effect of cognitive reappraisal presented itself only in women (p < 0.001), while the exacerbation effect of suppression appeared only in men (p < 0.001). Conclusion The current study suggests that COVID-19 pandemic-related stress is easier to deal with for those who have the tendency to cognitively reappraise. In contrast, suppression is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The prevention of mental distress can be supported by guiding people about the importance of using healthy emotion regulation strategies, as well as helping them to become more aware of the way they interpret and regulate their emotions. Gender differences in emotion regulation suggest gender awareness, e.g., tailored programs for men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Haver
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Norwegian School of Hotel Management, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Henning Krampe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Johan Danbolt
- MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Majorstuen, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Psychology of Religion, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Gry Stålsett
- MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Majorstuen, Oslo, Norway
- Modum Bad Psychiatric Center, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Tatjana Schnell
- MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Majorstuen, Oslo, Norway
- Existential Psychology Lab, Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
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Grøtte T, Hagen K, Eid J, Kvale G, le Hellard S, Solem S. Changes in contamination-related obsessions and compulsions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Norwegian longitudinal study. J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord 2022; 35:100758. [PMID: 36276590 PMCID: PMC9578966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocrd.2022.100758] [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] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have been associated with increasing obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS), but less is known regarding these symptoms' long-term trajectories. The aim of this study was to examine changes in contamination-related OCS in the Norwegian public during early and late stages of the pandemic, as well as characteristics that might be associated with these changes. METHODS In a longitudinal online survey, 12 580 participants completed self-report questionnaires in April 2020, including a retrospective assessment of contamination-related OCS severity (DOCS-SF) prior to COVID-19. In December 2020, 3405 (27.1%) of the participants completed the survey again. RESULTS In April, participants retrospectively recalled that their contamination-related OCS were lower prior to COVID-19 (d = 1.09). From April to December, symptoms slightly decreased (d = -0.16). The proportion of participants scoring above the clinical cut-off on DOCS-SF (≥16) changed accordingly from 2.4% pre-COVID to 27.8% in April and 24.0% in December. Previous severity of contamination-related OCS and symptoms of distress related to COVID-19 were the most powerful predictors of contamination-related OCS severity during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Elevated levels of contamination-related OCS were detected at both early and late stages of the pandemic, but the long-term symptom trend seems to be slightly declining.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torun Grøtte
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Kristen Hagen
- Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- Molde Hospital, Møre og Romsdal Hospital Trust, Norway
- Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
| | - Jarle Eid
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
- Center for Crisis Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Gerd Kvale
- Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Stephanie le Hellard
- Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- NORMENT, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Stian Solem
- Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
- Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
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