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Alabri A. Compliance with COVID-19 Physical Distancing Mandates in Oman: The Role of Health Literacy and Internal Health Locus of Control. Health Lit Res Pract 2024; 8:e69-e78. [PMID: 38713898 PMCID: PMC11075997 DOI: 10.3928/24748307-20240424-01] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates that the effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) physical distancing mandates is influenced by several individual factors, including health literacy; internal health locus of control (IHLOC), the belief that physical distancing can reduce COVID-19 risk; social norms; self-efficacy; and perceptions of the benefits and barriers associated with distancing. However, further investigation is needed to understand the links between these factors and compliance intentions. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the mechanism linking these factors with the intentions to comply with physical distancing mandates. METHODS A total of 759 participants (Mean age = 29.13, standard deviation [SD] = 8.33; 68.5% women) were surveyed online from September 2020 to October 2020. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (analysis of variance) and structural equation modeling. KEY RESULTS Health literacy was associated with more perceived benefits (β = .175, p = .001), greater self-efficacy (β = .193, p < .001), and less perceived barriers (β = -.391, p < .001). IHLOC was significantly associated with greater perceived benefits (β = .156, p = .007) and self-efficacy (β = .294, p < .001). Family descriptive norms were significantly associated with fewer perceived barriers (β = -.276, p < .001), while injunctive norms were associated with more perceived benefits (β = .202, p = .001) and higher self-efficacy (β = .299, p < .001). Intentions to adhere to physical distancing mandates were significantly associated with past compliance (β = .427, p < .001) and perceived barriers (β = -.205, p < .001) and benefits (β = .295, p < .001). Post-hoc mediation analyses revealed several small yet significant indirect effects, highlighting the complex pathways shaping adherence intentions. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies how health literacy, IHLOC, social norms, perceived benefits and barriers, and self-efficacy intricately shape intentions to comply with physical distancing mandates. These findings offer valuable implications for public health policy and interventions. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(2):e69-e78.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Amna Alabri
- Address correspondence to Amna Alabri, PhD, Department of Mass Communication, University of Technology and Applied Sciences, P. O. Box 699, Nizwa, Postal Code 611, Nizwa;
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Palgi Y, Regev T, Ben-David BM. Associations among loneliness, internal locus of control and subjective accelerated ageing in older adults who received the booster vaccination. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e54. [PMID: 38404027 PMCID: PMC10897693 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2024.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A rise in loneliness among older adults since the COVID-19 outbreak, even after vaccination, has been highlighted. Loneliness has deleterious consequences, with specific effects on perceptions of the ageing process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Coping with stressful life events and the challenges of ageing may result in a perception of acceleration of this process. AIM Studies have shown a buffering effect of an internal locus of control in the relationship between COVID-19 stress and mental distress. The current study examined whether loneliness predicts subjective accelerated ageing and whether internal locus of control moderates this relationship. METHOD Two waves of community-dwelling older adults (M = 70.44, s.d. = 5.95; age range 61-88 years), vaccinated three times, were sampled by a web-survey company. Participants completed the questionnaire after the beginning of the third vaccination campaign and reported again 4 months later on loneliness, internal locus of control and subjective accelerated ageing level in the second wave. RESULTS Participants with higher levels of loneliness presented 4 months later with higher subjective accelerated ageing. Participants with a low level of internal locus of control presented 4 months later with high subjective accelerated ageing, regardless of their loneliness level. Participants with a high level of internal locus of control and a low level of loneliness presented with the lowest subjective accelerated ageing 4 months later. CONCLUSIONS The findings emphasise the deleterious effects of loneliness and low internal locus of control on older adults' perception of their ageing process. Practitioners should focus their interventions not only on loneliness but also on improving the sense of internal locus of control to improve subjective accelerated ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuval Palgi
- Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa, Israel
| | - Tali Regev
- School of Economics, Reichman University (IDC), Israel
| | - Boaz M. Ben-David
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC), Israel; Department of Speech-Language Pathology, University of Toronto, Canada; and KITE, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Networks, Canada
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Cristea T, Snijders C, Matzat U, Kleingeld A. Do 21st-century skills make you less lonely? The relation between 21st-century skills, social media usage, and students' loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25899. [PMID: 38356530 PMCID: PMC10865394 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
21st-century skills are a new category of competencies recommended for people to adapt to the digital era. Digital communication skills, particularly, are regarded as an important facet in a progressively moving online society. Empirical evidence of their actual value, however, is largely missing. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic offered an appropriate testing ground for the possible beneficial role that such skills might play. Our results show that digital communication skills correlate with loneliness. However, social media usage, online contacts, and offline contacts only partially mediate the relationship between digital communication skills and the loneliness levels of students. In addition, we found substantial differences between the two waves of data collection and the types of contacts that influenced loneliness. While skills may have reduced loneliness, the precise mechanism of this effect needs to be clarified more. We offer suggestions for future research to examine the potential benefits of 21st-century skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- T.S. Cristea
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Atlas 9.407, Groene Loper 3, 5612, AE, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - C. Snijders
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Atlas 9.407, Groene Loper 3, 5612, AE, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - U. Matzat
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Atlas 9.407, Groene Loper 3, 5612, AE, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - A. Kleingeld
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Industrial Engineering and Innovation Sciences, Atlas 9.407, Groene Loper 3, 5612, AE, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
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Origlio J, Stough CO. Locus of control and pre-pandemic depressive symptoms relate to psychological adjustment of college students to the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024; 72:522-529. [PMID: 35271418 PMCID: PMC9463409 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2022.2047699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study examines the relationships between change in depressive symptoms and locus of control orientations among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: A sample of 341 undergraduate students were recruited from a large Midwestern United States university.Methods: Participants completed an online cross-sectional survey with self-report measures of current depressive symptoms, retrospective pre-pandemic depressive symptoms, and locus of control.Results: Depressive symptoms changed significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (t(340) = 7.49, p < 0.01). Pre-pandemic depressive symptoms predicted symptom change with the greatest changes among students who had fewer pre-pandemic symptoms (b = -0.58, p < 0.01) and higher external locus of control orientation (b = 0.24, p < 0.01).Conclusions: An increased presence of mental health resources is needed on college campuses and external locus of control should be targeted through clinical intervention as a risk factor for adverse depressive responses to stressors among college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julianne Origlio
- Department of Psychology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Priorello LJ, Arbona C. Illness intrusiveness, health locus of control, and anxiety symptoms among veterans with congestive heart failure. Health Psychol Open 2024; 11:20551029241250311. [PMID: 38726462 PMCID: PMC11080764 DOI: 10.1177/20551029241250311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Disease severity, illness intrusiveness, and health locus of control (HLC) each contribute to psychosocial wellbeing in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). To better understand the relationships between these variables regarding anxiety symptoms, we analyzed data from 116 adult male veterans with comorbid CHF and anxiety. Results suggested that illness intrusiveness significantly mediated the relation of CHF severity to anxiety symptom severity, and that the illness intrusiveness domains of physical well-being/diet, work/finances, and other aspects of life (religious/spirituality, community/civic, self-improvement/expression) were also significant mediators of that relationship. The relation of illness intrusiveness to anxiety was not moderated by internal HLC. Findings highlight the importance of assessing and treating various aspects of illness intrusiveness to manage anxiety symptoms in CHF patients.
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Alkorashy HA, Alotaibi HA. Locus of Control and Self-Directed Learning Readiness of Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study from Saudi Arabia. NURSING REPORTS 2023; 13:1658-1670. [PMID: 38133113 PMCID: PMC10745838 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep13040137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused one of the worst global pandemics in recent decades. It has disrupted education systems worldwide, leading to a forced shift from traditional face-to-face to blended or fully distanced learning, requiring a higher level of student readiness for self-directed learning (SDL) and a more internal locus of control (LOC). OBJECTIVE This study explored the relationship between locus of control and level of readiness for SDL among Saudi nursing students and whether the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted this relationship. METHODS A cross-sectional correlational descriptive study was conducted to survey 277 Saudi nursing students enrolled in the bachelor program at one of the reputable universities in Saudi Arabia. An E-questionnaire containing two scales, the Self-Directed Learning Readiness Scale for Nursing Education, and the Locus of Control Scale, was used to collect data in addition to the selected participants' characteristics. RESULTS Nursing students had a moderate-to-low level of readiness for SDL (mean = 144.0), and the majority had an external LOC. There was a significant association between locus of control and level of readiness for self-directed learning (r = 0.19 *, p = 0.001), and the internal locus of control was more significantly associated with self-directed learning (r = 0.22 *, p = 0.0001) than with external locus of control. CONCLUSION The study findings indicate a propensity of respondents indicating an external locus of control, whereas most of the respondents' reported levels of readiness ranged between low and moderate across all dimensions of self-directed learning. This study was not registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan A. Alkorashy
- Nursing Administration & Education Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia
- Nursing Administration Department, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
| | - Hanan A. Alotaibi
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University, Riyadh 11362, Saudi Arabia;
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Mahat-Shamir M, Zychlinski E, Kagan M. Psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrative perspective. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293189. [PMID: 37883473 PMCID: PMC10602244 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293189] [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: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Informed by socio-ecological psychology and the conservation of resources model, the present study proposes an integrative perspective on the association between psychological distress and a constellation of factors, during the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel. Our sample, comprised of 991 adult participants, was measured for psychological distress, locus of control (internal/ external), resilience, loneliness, social support, dimensions of citizens' trust in government organizations (perceived competence, benevolence, and integrity), and demographic characteristics. The findings showed that women, non-religious people, and the unemployed reported higher levels of psychological distress. Internal locus of control, resilience, social support, and the extent to which citizens perceive government organizations as benevolent were negatively associated with psychological distress. Self-reported loneliness and external locus of control positively predicted the level of respondent psychological distress. No association was detected between age, competence and integrity and psychological distress. An overview of the research findings indicates that individuals with greater resources were less likely to suffer from psychological distress during the COVID-19 outbreak. These findings call upon mental health care practitioners to help as well as to enable clients to attain resources in order to lower their levels of psychological distress. Policies developed by policymakers during periods of acute crisis should consider the specific needs and vulnerabilities of certain population groups, including women and the unemployed who may be more susceptible to psychological distress. It is also important for policymakers to be aware that the perception of democratic governments as benevolent can serve as a buffer against psychological distress during times of crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maya Kagan
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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Haywood D, Mason O. Perception of COVID-19 threat, low self-efficacy, and external locus of control lead to psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:2381-2388. [PMID: 36111351 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2124290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
While it is well documented that the COVID-19 pandemic has had critical consequences for individuals' mental health, few studies to date have investigated the influence of psychological factors on psychological distress in the context of COVID-19. This study explores the influences of self-efficacy, health locus of control, and COVID-19 threat perception on psychological distress (DASS-21). 180 adults completed an online set of standardised questionnaires. Results indicated that self-efficacy had a significant relationship with all three subscales of psychological distress. However, COVID-19 threat perception was significantly associated with stress. External health locus of control was significantly associated with depression by the chance externality subscale, and stress by the powerful others externality subscale. Additionally, external health locus of control was found to moderate the relationship between COVID-19 threat perception and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Haywood
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Oliver Mason
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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Fu Z, Hu N, Gao D. The Relationship Between Internet Use and Mental Health Among Chinese Residents During the (COVID)-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. Am J Health Behav 2023; 47:533-538. [PMID: 37596757 DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.47.3.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Internet use has become more frequent as the reaction to quarantine and social distancing have continued, which has had a significant impact on mental health. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Internet use and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We obtained data from the 2020 China Family Panel Study (CFPS), a nationwide typical longitudinal follow-up social survey that began in 2010 and is implemented every 2 years. We assessed Internet use by whether or not people used a mobile device or a computer to access the Internet. We measured the mental health of individuals using values for the depression variable, which was collected through the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Statistical analysis involved independent sample t-tests and multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Internet use was significantly associated with a decrease in depression scores; the length of Internet use was significantly associated with an increase in depression scores. The relationship between various Internet functions and depression scores differed significantly, with gaming and social functions being significantly associated with a decrease in depression scores; shopping and learning functions were not significantly associated with depression scores. For youth, play functioning was significantly associated with a decrease in depression scores, while shopping functioning was significantly associated with an increase in depression scores; for the middle-aged group, social functioning was significantly associated with a decrease in depression scores; and for the elderly, social and shopping functioning were significantly associated with a decrease in depression scores.Conclusion: Public mental health can be promoted through the use of the Internet during the COVID-19 pandemic. Different groups should make reasonable use of Internet functions but control the length of time spent using them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Fu
- School of Marxism, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nanfu Hu
- School of Public Administration, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Gao
- School of Marxism, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
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Iles-Caven Y, Gregory S, Northstone K, Golding J, Nowicki S. The beneficial role of personality in preserving well-being during the pandemic: A longitudinal population study. J Affect Disord 2023; 331:229-237. [PMID: 36965624 PMCID: PMC10035805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased rates of mental health problems. We examined the possible role of the personality characteristic, Locus of Control (LOC), in moderating pandemic-induced stress. METHODS The UK-based Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents & Children (ALSPAC), 7021 adults (mean ages: women 57.6 (SD = 4.48); partners 60.5 (SD = 5.36)) responded to a 2020 questionnaire which included a generalised measure of LOC. Between March 2020-January 2021, questionnaires focussed on the pandemic were administered, which included measures of mental health. Over 60 % of respondents completed questionnaires at three timepoints of interest. RESULTS In those with an internal LOC higher rates of positive well-being and reduced likelihood of anxiety and depression were shown compared to those who were external, e.g. after adjustment for socioeconomic/demographic factors mean differences in well-being score for internal compared with external women was +2.01 (95%CI +1.02,+2.10) p = 0.0001; for their partners +2.52 (95%CI +1.22,+3.82) p = 0.0002. External women were more likely than internals to have depression (adjusted OR 3.41 [95%CI 1.77,6.57] p < 0.0005. LIMITATIONS Attrition is a problem in this 30-year-old longitudinal cohort. Those still participating are more likely to have higher education and SES levels, be female and have an internal LOC. This population suffers from a lack of ethnic diversity. CONCLUSIONS Having an internal LOC positively moderated the effects of pandemic-induced stress on the frequency of anxiety and depression in middle-age. Programmes geared to raise internality and coping strategies may have long-term benefits on well-being in stressful situations, especially for women and frontline health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Iles-Caven
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK.
| | - Steven Gregory
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Kate Northstone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Jean Golding
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
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Xue S, Gu Q, Zhu K, Jiang J. Self-compassion buffers the impact of learned helplessness on adverse mental health during COVID-19 lockdown. J Affect Disord 2023; 327:285-291. [PMID: 36758873 PMCID: PMC9907794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Learned helplessness may be the underlying cause of poor mental health status among college students during the COVID-19 lockdown, and self-compassion as a positive psychological quality may influence the link between learned helplessness and mental health. METHODS A sample of 869 Chinese college students (443 male and 426 female), with a mean age of 20.03 (SD = 1.68), completed the Learned Helplessness Scale (LHS), Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), and DASS-21. The moderating effect of self-compassion on the relationship between learned helplessness and anxiety, depression, and stress were calculated. RESULTS The interaction term between learned helplessness and self-compassion has a significant coefficient on anxiety, depression, and stress, pointing out self-compassion as a moderator of the association between learned helplessness and adverse mental health. LIMITATIONS In the absence of longitudinal data or experimental manipulations, cross-sectional methods cannot verify causal conclusions among the study variables. The analysing results are based only on self-reported data. DISCUSSION The present study contributes to a deeper understanding of how learned helplessness and self-compassion during COVID-19 contribute to adverse mental health. The findings suggest that adverse mental health during lockdown is significantly associated with learned helplessness and that self-compassion can buffer this effect, contributing to future psychotherapy and clinical research. Future studies should examine the relationship through a longitudinal design to sort out whether self-compassion is a protective factor against learned helplessness or a moderator of the effects of learned helplessness on mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengping Xue
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Qian Gu
- Liaocheng Fourth People's Hospital, 49 North Huayuan Road, Liaocheng 252002, China
| | - Kaixu Zhu
- School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, 346 Guanhai Road, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jinghua Jiang
- Liaocheng Fourth People's Hospital, 49 North Huayuan Road, Liaocheng 252002, China.
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Brennan-Ing M, Wu Y, Manalel JA, Finkelstein R. Taking Charge: Social Support Dynamics among Older Adults and Their Significant Others in COVID-19 Vaccination and Mitigation Efforts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4869. [PMID: 36981778 PMCID: PMC10049188 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064869] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Older people have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are often portrayed as passive victims of this global health crisis. However, older adults do take responsibility for their own health and that of others in large part through social network dynamics. The purpose of this study was to understand the processes whereby older adults' social networks shape their own health behaviors, and vice versa, in the context of COVID-19 vaccination and other mitigation efforts. Qualitative data from 77 older adults between ages 65 and 94 obtained through focus groups or individual interview participants were analyzed. Participant narratives demonstrated the reciprocal nature of social support and health behaviors and provided evidence that COVID-19-related health behaviors in this population were motivated by social support, altruism, and life experience. These findings emphasize older adults' active role as health promoters in their families and communities, keeping themselves and their significant others safe from COVID infection. Implications for the role of older adults in community health promotion efforts are discussed.
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Kent JN, Kilby CJ. Predictors of psychological distress during self-isolation. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:172-188. [PMID: 36263939 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Global pandemics, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, are predicted to increase in prevalence in the future. Transmission suppression techniques such as social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions have introduced an abundance of additional stressors while simultaneously reducing our capacity to cope with stress, thus increasing the collective burden of the pandemic. Numerous psychosocial factors have been identified to protect against distress in difficult circumstances. However, it is unknown whether these factors will continue to be protective in the pandemic context. DESIGN The aim of the current study was to determine whether locus of control (LOC), coping style or self-compassion were debilitating or protective factors towards psychological well-being (depression, anxiety, stress and positive and negative affect) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS In the current study, Australian adults (N = 176) completed a longitudinal online survey (two time points, 2 weeks apart) incorporating measures of demographics, locus of control, coping, self-compassion (measured at T1), depression, anxiety, stress and positive and negative affect (measured at T1 and T2) throughout June-August 2020, during the height of lockdown in Australia. RESULTS Multiple regression analyses suggested that avoidant coping was predictive of increases in stress and negative affect across time points. Additionally, self-compassion was predictive of increased positive affect across time points. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the pandemic context represents a unique stressor, demanding a distinctive set of strategies and psychosocial characteristics to cope. Interventions targeted at reducing avoidant coping behaviours and promoting self-compassion may contribute to improvements in psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica N Kent
- The School of Psychology, Counselling, and Psychotherapy, The Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher J Kilby
- The School of Psychology, Counselling, and Psychotherapy, The Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Salud mental de cuidadores de niños con trastornos del neurodesarrollo durante la pandemia. NEUROLOGÍA ARGENTINA 2023. [PMCID: PMC9868982 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuarg.2022.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Los cuidadores son especialmente propensos a verse más afectados psicológicamente durante las restricciones sociales y del sistema sanitario generadas por la pandemia por COVID-19. Los cuidadores de niños con trastornos del neurodesarrollo (es decir, autismo, discapacidad intelectual, déficit de atención, hiperactividad, discapacidad motora) tienen un papel más importante que los que acompañan niños sanos. Se diseñó un estudio cuantitativo transversal, utilizando técnicas estadísticas descriptivas, comparativas y correlacionales, para analizar la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, el malestar emocional y la sobrecarga en cuatro subgrupos de cuidadores, clasificados según el diagnóstico del niño. Se incluyeron 132 cuidadores (86,4% mujeres). En el grupo 1 (discapacidad cognitiva) participaron 28 cuidadores; en el grupo 2 (TDAH) se incluyeron 51; en el grupo 3 (trastorno del espectro autista) participaron 33 cuidadores, y en el grupo 4 (discapacidad motora) se incluyeron 20. Los principales hallazgos de este estudio fueron: 1) alteraciones en el rol físico, el dolor corporal, la salud general y la vitalidad; 2) porcentajes muy bajos de sintomatología de depresión, ansiedad, estrés y sobrecarga; 3) diferencias en el funcionamiento social entre los grupos de discapacidad motora y TDAH, y en el estrés y la sobrecarga entre los grupos de autismo y discapacidad motora, y 4) correlaciones moderadas entre las dimensiones de dolor corporal y rol emocional y la depresión, la ansiedad, el estrés y la sobrecarga. Se concluyó que hay más afectación en variables asociadas con la salud física que con las de la salud mental.
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Weinhardt CB, Ruckert JH. Internal Locus of Control Predicts Proenvironmental and COVID-19 Health-Related Behaviors: A Pilot Study. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2022.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Caleb B. Weinhardt
- Department of Psychology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jolina H. Ruckert
- Department of Psychology, Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon, USA
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16
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Koziel Ly NK, Mohamud L, Villeneuve PJ, Matheson K, Anisman H, Chee MJ. Protective effects of physical activity on mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279468. [PMID: 36584182 PMCID: PMC9803281 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked with increased reports of depression, anxiety, and stress. Stay-at-home directives during the pandemic-imposed lifestyle changes, including eating and sedentary behaviors that can further undermine mental health outcomes. Physical activity is a vital component for metabolic health, as well as for mental health by serving as an active coping strategy to manage stress and promote resilience. Global reports of increased sedentary leisure behaviors have been associated with feelings of depression and anxiety, but it unclear whether the relationship between physical activity and depression or anxiety persists over time. In this longitudinal study, we investigated (i) whether physical activity at the onset of the pandemic was related to feelings of depression or anxiety over time and (ii) whether this relationship was mediated by stress appraisals during the pandemic. We surveyed 319 adults living in Canada or the United States to assess physical activity, stress appraisals, and mental health outcomes at two time points over a 6-month period. We found a reduction in leisure-time physical activity that was linked to subsequent feelings of depression. Furthermore, individuals with lower levels of physical activity were more likely to appraise their COVID-19 situation to be uncontrollable at pandemic onset and as the pandemic continued. Stress appraisals of threat and uncontrollability were also positively related to feelings of depression. Modelling these three factors together showed that appraising a situation as uncontrollable mediated the relationship between initial physical activity and subsequent depressive feelings. Although correlational, these data highlight the protective role of leisure-time physical activity against worsened mental health outcomes during periods of prolonged stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ladan Mohamud
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul J. Villeneuve
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kimberly Matheson
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Royal Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hymie Anisman
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Royal Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa J. Chee
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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17
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Chen Y, Wei M, Ortiz J. How do digital lives affect resident mental health in the digital era? Empirical evidence based on Chinese general social survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1085256. [PMID: 36568747 PMCID: PMC9768555 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1085256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Having good mental health means we are better able to connect, function, cope and thrive. The widespread application of digital technology in daily life provides new ways and promising tools for residents to maintain their mental health. Given the importance of mental health for everyone, and the fact that mental health problems are prevalent worldwide, this study discusses how digital lives affects the mental health of residents. The results suggest that digital lives are significantly and positively associated with mental health. Mechanisms analysis identifies personal perceptions (self-rated physical exercise and subjective wellbeing) as the important paths for digital lives to promote mental health, while social perceptions (social trust and social fairness) play a suppressing effect on the relationship between them. The results of further discussion show that the degree of the influence of digital lives on mental health of individuals is heterogeneous among different regions. Due to the difference in development level, the positive impact of digital lives is greater in urban areas than in rural areas, and it is stronger in western regions than in eastern and central regions. This study enriches the nascent research stream of digitalization, explores new paths of harnessing digital technologies for mental health, and offers useful insights for the government to guide them in formulating digital development strategies and achieving the Healthy China Strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Mengyang Wei
- School of Economics and Management, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Mengyang Wei
| | - Jaime Ortiz
- Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
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18
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Yu SC. The More COVID-19 Information We Shared; the More Anxious We Got? The Associations Among Social Media Use, Anxiety, and Coping Strategies. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY, BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2022; 25:776-783. [PMID: 36374255 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2022.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Social media (SM) are crucial channels for the spread of information on COVID-19. However, they have rarely been explored. This study examined three types of social media use (SMU): SM usage time, passive SMU (PSMU), active SMU (ASMU) and investigated the relationships among three type of SMU, anxiety, and coping strategies. We recruited 1,150 adults in Taiwan for this study. Although past research found that ASMU is associated with well-being and that PSMU is associated with negative emotions, the findings of this study indicated that only ASMU could significantly predict anxiety; PSMU and SM usage time could not predict anxiety. The reason may be that individuals with unmet basic needs may depend on ASMU to satisfy their need for relatedness, competence, and autonomy. However, compared with PSMU, ASMU is more likely to be immersed anxiety due to its continuous exposure to COVID-19 news. The results regarding the paths between SMU and coping strategies were similar; a greater predictive coefficient existed between ASMU and avoidant coping, whereas the other two types of SMU were non-significant or weak predictors of coping strategies. Individuals may post things indicating that the pandemic is slowing down or is not scary to reduce their anxiety, deny the severity of issues, and cope with stress. On the whole, this study found that ASMU involving the pandemic can be used to predict psychological consequences and avoidant coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen-Chi Yu
- Department of Counseling and Applied Psychology, National Taichung University of Education, Taichung, Taiwan
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19
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Brooks JM, Patton C, Maroukel S, Perez AM, Levanda L. The differential impact of COVID-19 on mental health: Implications of ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability status in the United States. Front Psychol 2022; 13:902094. [PMID: 36176783 PMCID: PMC9513514 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.902094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic's effects on mental health interact with preexisting health risks and disparities to impact varying populations differently. This study explored the relationship between demographic variables (e.g., ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability status), distress and mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, somatic complaints, and pandemic distress), and vulnerability factors for COVID-19 (e.g., personal health vulnerabilities, community members' health vulnerabilities, and environmental exposure risks at work or home). An online cross-sectional study was conducted from 18 June to 17 July 2020, reflecting the impact of early phase COVID-19 pandemic and related shelter-in-place measures in the United States. Participants were adults residing in the United States (N = 594), with substantial subsamples (N ≥ 70) of American Indian, Asian American, African-American, and Hispanic and/or Latinx participants, as well as people with disabilities and sexual minorities. Outcomes measured were depression, hopelessness, somatic complaints, anxiety-related disorders, locus of control (LOC), and a novel measure of pandemic-related distress. Data were analyzed using analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), chi-square test, and correlation coefficients. Generally, younger individuals, and those with less financial power-across all identities-suffered more distress. When controlling for age, lower financial power was associated with higher scores on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-Revised (CESD-R; r = -0.21, p = < 0.001), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS; r = -0.17, p < 0.001), Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15; r = -0.09, p = 0.01), Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders for Adults Panic Disorder (SCARED-A PD; r = -0.14, p < 0.001), SCARED-A generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; r = -0.13, p = 0.002), SCARED-A obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; r = -0.08, p = 0.04), and the COVID-19 Pandemic Distress restriction/disconnection scale (C19PDS; r = -0.10, p = 0.009). In addition, disparities were found, in general, for marginalized identities by gender, sexual orientation, and disability status. Importantly, each ethnicity subsample showed a unique pattern of relationships between COVID-19 risk variables and mental health symptoms. The results support the hypothesis that any pandemic may amplify preexisting social and financial disparities. Overall, interventions at the clinical, governmental, or health equity level should take into consideration the needs of vulnerable groups.
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20
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Tay WWY, Jesuthasan J, Wan KS, Ong T, Mustapha F. Eighteen months into the COVID-19 pandemic: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in Southeast Asia and the associated demographic factors. Front Public Health 2022; 10:863323. [PMID: 35991032 PMCID: PMC9387355 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.863323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental health has become a growing concern in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to determine the prevalence of mental health symptoms 18 months after the pandemic's declaration. Our cross-sectional study conducted among 18- to 65-year-old adults (N = 33,454) in October 2021 using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS-21) found a high prevalence of severe to extremely severe anxiety (49%), depression (47%) and stress (36%) symptoms in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. Multiple logistic regression showed that female and non-binary genders were associated with increased odds of severe/extremely severe symptoms of anxiety (female: aOR 1.44 [95% CI 1.37-1.52]; non-binary aOR 1.46 [1.16-1.84]), depression (female: aOR 1.39 [1.32-1.47]; non-binary aOR 1.42 [1.13-1.79]), and stress (female: aOR 1.48 [CI 1.40-1.57]; non-binary aOR 1.42 [1.12-1.78]). In all three symptom domains, the odds of severe/extremely severe symptoms decreased across age groups. Middle- and high-income respondents had lower odds of reporting severe/extremely severe anxiety (middle-income: aOR 0.79 [0.75-0.84]; high-income aOR 0.77 [0.69-0.86]) and depression (middle-income: aOR 0.85 [0.80-0.90]; high-income aOR 0.84 [0.76-0.94]) symptoms compared to low-income respondents, while only middle-income respondents had lower odds of experiencing severe/extremely severe stress symptoms (aOR 0.89 [0.84-0.95]). Compared to residents of Malaysia, residents of Indonesia were more likely to experience severe/extremely severe anxiety symptoms (aOR 1.08 [1.03-1.15]) but less likely to experience depression (aOR 0.69 [0.65-0.73]) or stress symptoms (aOR 0.92 [0.87-0.97]). Respondents living in Singapore had increased odds of reporting severe/extremely severe depression symptoms (aOR 1.33 [1.16-1.52]), while respondents residing in Thailand were more likely to experience severe/extremely severe stress symptoms (aOR 1.46 [1.37-1.55]). This study provides insights into the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the point prevalence of psychological distress in Southeast Asia one and a half years after the beginning of the pandemic.
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21
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22
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Mori M, Seko T, Ogawa S. Association of Social Capital and Locus of Control with Perceived Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159415. [PMID: 35954772 PMCID: PMC9367705 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that social capital and locus of control influence mental health. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of social capital and locus of control on perceived physical and mental health in the general Japanese population during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to conduct a cross-sectional study, in 2021, three thousand citizens were randomly selected from the Chitose City Resident Register according to ten strata of sex and age classes between 30 years and 79 years. Because thirteen persons moved away from the city, the survey was conducted for the remaining 2987 citizens. A total of 1430 citizens (712 males, 718 females) responded to the survey with their written informed consent (response rate, 47.9%). As a result, social capital measured three dimensions, namely social support, social participation, and trust and reciprocity, and internal locus of control was significantly inversely associated with it, but external locus of control was significantly positively associated with impaired physical and mental health in male and female subjects after adjustment of lifestyle habits and lifestyle change affected by the pandemic. Strengthening social capital and internal locus of control, and weakening external locus of control, may improve physical and mental health, even if the pandemic would bring about distress. Further longitudinal study is needed to examine the causal relationship among them.
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23
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Development and Validation of the Social Media Capital Scale (SMC): A Brand New Measure for Online Social Capital. HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/9903615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a series of studies in order to develop a tool to assess social media capital, that is, more specifically, individual confidence in the use of social media sites and in their application to maintain and increase social capital. In our first study, we created the social media capital (SMC) scale by adapting parts of two already existing instruments and administered it to 6935 people to test its psychometric properties and dimensionality. After having validated the SMC in its final 7-item form, we proceeded to assess its external validity in two subsequent studies, by testing it against measures for Internet self-efficacy (study 2;
) and motives to use the Internet and social media addiction (study 3;
). Overall, the SMC displayed satisfactory psychometric properties and appears to be a sound measure of social media capital.
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24
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Feng Y, Gu W, Dong F, Dong D, Qiao Z. Overexposure to COVID-19 information amplifies emotional distress: a latent moderated mediation model. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:287. [PMID: 35851579 PMCID: PMC9293900 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02048-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
An infodemic has accompanied the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores whether overexposure to COVID-19-related information amplifies emotional distress. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in China during the outbreak and after the peak of the pandemic (N = 1313). A latent moderated mediation model was built to analyze this relationship. COVID-19 information exposure was found to relate positively with emotional distress, and risk perception mediated the association between them. Additionally, psychological resilience moderated the mediating effects of risk perception. However, five factors of resilience differed in their moderating effects. This study offers theoretical and practical implications apropos clinical intervention and public health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Feng
- Mental Health Center, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Gu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangbai Dong
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- Mental Health Center, Henan Agriculture University, Henan, China
| | - Dan Dong
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhihong Qiao
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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25
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Nießen D, Schmidt I, Groskurth K, Rammstedt B, Lechner CM. The Internal–External Locus of Control Short Scale–4 (IE-4): A comprehensive validation of the English-language adaptation. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271289. [PMID: 35816496 PMCID: PMC9273068 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Internal–External Locus of Control Short Scale–4 (IE-4) measures two dimensions of the personality trait locus of control with two items each. IE-4 was originally developed and validated in German and later translated into English. In the present study, we assessed the psychometric properties (i.e., objectivity, reliability, validity) of the English-language IE-4, compared these psychometric properties with those of the German-language source version, and tested measurement invariance across both language versions. Using heterogeneous quota samples from the UK and Germany, we find that the English-language adaptation has satisfactory reliability and plausible correlations with 11 external variables (e.g., general self-efficacy, self-esteem, impulsive behavior, Emotional Stability), which are comparable with those of the German-language source version. Moreover, metric measurement invariance of the scale holds when comparing the UK and Germany, implying the comparability of correlations based on the latent factors across the two nations. As an ultra-short scale (completion time < 30 s), IE-4 lends itself particularly to the assessment of locus of control in survey contexts in which assessment time or questionnaire space are limited. It can be applied in a variety of research disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, or economics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Nießen
- GESIS–Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Isabelle Schmidt
- GESIS–Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
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26
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Žilinskas E, Puteikis K, Mameniškienė R. Quality of Sleep and Work Productivity among White-Collar Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58070883. [PMID: 35888602 PMCID: PMC9323147 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58070883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted routine sleep and work patterns in the general population. We conducted an anonymous online survey among white-collar workers from various finance, IT and technology companies in Lithuania to define factors associated with worse sleep quality and diminished productivity during a COVID-19 lockdown. Materials and Methods: Employees of selected companies in Lithuania completed an anonymous questionnaire online that included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), The Sleep Locus of Control (SLOC), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7 (GAD-7), and the World Health Organization’s Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (WHO-HPQ). Respondents also provided information about their sleep hygiene, physical activity and alcohol use. Results: Data of 114 respondents (56, 49.1% male) were used for analysis. Among them, 49 (43.0%) suffered from poor sleep and 29 (25.4%) had clinically relevant levels of anxiety. However, there were only negligible levels of absenteeism in the sample (a median of zero hours of work lost over the past month). In a stepwise linear regression model (F(5,108) = 11.457, p < 0.001, R2adj = 0.316), high levels of anxiety, daily hours spent using the screen, use of electronic devices in the bedroom, smoking in the evening, and COVID-19-related changes in appetite were associated with worse sleep quality. Absenteeism was associated with physical activity of moderate intensity and decreased self-reported productivity during the pandemic (F(2,111) = 7.570, p = 0.001, R2adj = 0.104). However, there was no strong relationship between sleep-related variables (i.e., sleep hygiene, sleep locus of control, quality of sleep) or levels of anxiety and measures of work productivity. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that while bad sleep hygiene, anxiety, and changes in appetite are associated with worse sleep quality among white-collar workers during the pandemic, work productivity may remain high irrespective of disrupted sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilijus Žilinskas
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.Ž.); (K.P.)
| | - Kristijonas Puteikis
- Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania; (E.Ž.); (K.P.)
| | - Rūta Mameniškienė
- Center for Neurology, Vilnius University, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Correspondence:
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27
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Taylor TAH, Kamel-ElSayed S, Grogan JF, Hajj Hussein I, Lerchenfeldt S, Mohiyeddini C. Teaching in Uncertain Times: Expanding the Scope of Extraneous Cognitive Load in the Cognitive Load Theory. Front Psychol 2022; 13:665835. [PMID: 35814084 PMCID: PMC9263515 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.665835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented and highly threatening, constrained, and confusing social and educational environment, we decided to expand the traditional focus of the extraneous load in Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) acknowledging the psychological environment in which learning occurs. We therefore adapted and implemented principles of the CLT to reduce extraneous load for our students by facilitating their educational activities. Given previous empirical support for the principles of CLT, it was expected that the adoption of these principles might enable our students to cultivate attitudes and skills across multiple domains such as online learning and presentation technologies, implementing and maintaining a “classroom atmosphere” in a virtual environment, participating in discussions among large online groups of students, facilitating group work, providing virtual office hours for students, and proactively planning for upcoming semesters.
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28
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Gould DJ, Sawarynski K, Mohiyeddini C. Academic Management in Uncertain Times: Shifting and Expanding the Focus of Cognitive Load Theory During COVID-19 Pandemic Education. Front Psychol 2022; 13:647904. [PMID: 35783760 PMCID: PMC9249437 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.647904] [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: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced medical education toward more "online education" approaches, causing specific implications to arise for medical educators and learners. Considering an unprecedented and highly threatening, constrained, and confusing social and educational environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to shift the traditional focus of the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) from students to instructors. In this process, we considered recent suggestions to acknowledge the psychological environment in which learning happens. According to this fundamental fact, "Learning and instructional procedures do not occur in a situational vacuum." Following this assertion, we adapted and implemented principles of CLT to reduce the extraneous load for our faculty to facilitate continued scholarly activity and support the overall wellbeing of our faculty during these trying times. The adoption of these principles enabled our team to cultivate attitudes and skills across multiple domains, such as online presentation technologies, implementing and maintaining a "classroom atmosphere" in a virtual environment, encouraging discussion among large online groups of students, facilitating group work, providing virtual office hours, and proactively planning for subsequent sessions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Changiz Mohiyeddini
- Department of Foundational Medical Studies, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI, United States
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29
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Rodon C, Chin J, Chevalier A. Assessing COVID-19 Health Literacy (CoHL) and its relationships with sociodemographic features, locus of control and compliance with social distancing rules during the first lockdown in France. HEALTH EDUCATION RESEARCH 2022; 37:143-154. [PMID: 35581167 PMCID: PMC9384039 DOI: 10.1093/her/cyac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Health literacy (HL) is critical to find, understand and use health information for adopting appropriate health behavior, especially during a pandemic crisis in which people can be exposed to an overwhelming amount of information from different media. To this end, we conducted an online study to first validate the measure of COronaVIrus Disease appeared in 2019 (COVID-19) health literacy (CoHL) and then investigated its relationships with locus of control (LoC), news information search and the adoption of protective behaviors (PBs) during the first lockdown in France. We first showed the good structural and psychometric qualities of the CoHL scale on a 3-dimensional structure: the Critical dimension, the Extraction/Communicative and the Application/Communicative dimension. We then found that CoHL was associated with the adoption of PBs suggesting that people with higher CoHL tended to adopt more PBs during the first lockdown, regardless of their LoC. However, people with low CoHL would be more likely to adopt PBs if they believe that they may get COVID-19 due to the behavior and health conditions of others (high external LoC). The study has implications for the design of public health campaigns for people with inadequate HL and with a different LoC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessie Chin
- School of Information Sciences (MC 387), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 614 E Daniel St (#5139), Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Aline Chevalier
- UFR de Psychologie, Département de Psychologie Cognitive et Ergonomie, Laboratoire Cognition, Langues, Langage, Ergonomie (CLLE, UT2J & CNRS), Université Toulouse Jean Jaurés (UT2J), Maison de la recherche, 5 allées Antonio Machado, Toulouse, F-31058 Cedex 9, France
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30
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Heidinger T, Richter L. Examining the Impact of COVID-19 Experiences on Reported Psychological Burden Increase in Older Persons: The Effects of Illness Severity and Social Proximity. Front Psychol 2022; 13:884729. [PMID: 35645880 PMCID: PMC9136394 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.884729] [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: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous findings have provided indications that experience of COVID-19 illness of self and other affect mental health unfavorably. However, prior studies do not satisfactorily differentiate according to severity of COVID-19 illness or social proximity, which are both hypothesized to be relevant factors for increased psychological burden. This study provides an in-depth examination of the impact of Covid-19 experience of self and other on mental health, considering illness severity as well as proximity to the infected person (self, close and distant network). It used data on an older population (50+ years) from 28 European countries (n > 40 000 persons) surveyed in summer of 2021 using the Survey of Health and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Aside from bivariate analyses, a logistic regression model was computed to test the effects of illness severity by personal proximity over and above other stressors of life in the pandemic. Severity of illness was shown to be a contributor to psychological burden increase with the strongest effects among persons who reported own illness experiences or experiences in the close network. Regression analysis confirmed the impact of severe Covid-19 experience in self, close and distant relations. Moreover, even a less severe course impacted burden unfavorably when experienced in the own person and more distant relations. These results prove troubling. Psychological burden is impacted by infection, with experiences in self or close persons being strongest, while even 'lighter' experiences in the distant network also have an unfavorable effect, emphasizing the need to gain control of the present pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Heidinger
- Department of Gerontology and Health Research, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems an der Donau, Austria
| | - Lukas Richter
- Department of Social Sciences, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria
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Chela-Alvarez X, Leiva A, Gallardo-Alfaro L, Bulilete O, Vidal-Thomas MC, Llobera J. Anxiety, Depression, and Concern About Employment Status of Hotel Housekeepers in the Balearic Islands During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:842335. [PMID: 35478734 PMCID: PMC9037287 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.842335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tourism is a crucial economic sector in the Balearic Islands (Spain). COVID-19 pandemic might severely impact hotel housekeepers (HHs) due to their already precarious employment situation. The purpose is to assess the evolution of the concern about employment status, anxiety, and depression of HHs. This is a longitudinal study conducted with a subset of participants from a primary care, health promotion intervention study. Two additional visits were added (March–April and October–December 2020) for the purpose of this study. We recruited 290 HHs in March–April 2020; 237 were again interviewed during October–December 2020. In the first visit, high level of concern about employment was associated with age under 50, temporary contracts and external locus of control (LOC). Moderate–severe anxiety was associated with low social support and external LOC; moderate–severe depression was associated with low social support. Regarding the second visit, age, years working as HH, type of contract, social support, and LOC were not associated with concern about employment status, anxiety, and depression. There was a larger proportion of HHs with moderate–severe anxiety and depression among HHs with high degree of concern. Concern increased significantly among HHs: over 50 years of age; with more than 15 years in the job, a recurring seasonal contract and normal social support. After adjusting by age, type of contract, LOC, and social support, we found a statistically significant increase (12.0%) of HHs highly concerned about their job situation: compared to the first visit, HHs were 2.3 more likely to have a high degree of concern in December 2020. In contrast, increases in moderate–severe anxiety (0.3%) and depression (4.3%) between the two periods were not significant. In HHs, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant concern about employment status and symptoms of depression and anxiety. In the uncertain times of the pandemic, mental wellbeing benefits from variables that confer stability, such as internal LOC, perception of social support, and a stable job. Longitudinal results point at long lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. It is crucial to allocate additional resources in primary care to adequately address the anticipated influx of needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Chela-Alvarez
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Islands Health Service, Palma, Spain.,GrAPP-caIB - Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.,RICAPPS- Red de Investigación Cooperativa de Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud - Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Leiva
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Islands Health Service, Palma, Spain.,GrAPP-caIB - Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.,RICAPPS- Red de Investigación Cooperativa de Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud - Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Gallardo-Alfaro
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Islands Health Service, Palma, Spain.,GrAPP-caIB - Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain
| | - Oana Bulilete
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Islands Health Service, Palma, Spain.,GrAPP-caIB - Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.,RICAPPS- Red de Investigación Cooperativa de Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud - Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - MClara Vidal-Thomas
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Islands Health Service, Palma, Spain.,GrAPP-caIB - Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.,RICAPPS- Red de Investigación Cooperativa de Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud - Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Llobera
- Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Balearic Islands Health Service, Palma, Spain.,GrAPP-caIB - Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma, Spain.,RICAPPS- Red de Investigación Cooperativa de Atención Primaria y Promoción de la Salud - Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Winship JM, Gendron T, Waters L, Chung J, Battle K, Cisewski M, Gregory M, Sargent L, Zanjani F, Slattum P, Mackiewicz M, Diallo A, Ford G, Falls K, Price ET, Parsons PL. COVID in Context: The Lived Experience of Richmond’s Low-Income Older Adults. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2022; 8:23337214221079208. [PMID: 35252474 PMCID: PMC8891881 DOI: 10.1177/23337214221079208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Taking a phenomenological approach, this qualitative study describes the lived experiences of low-income older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. A socio-ecological model was used to organize the five identified themes describing the lived experience: socio-economic context, Black Lives Matter and the politics of race, COVID and polarized views of COVID, interpersonal context (social connections), and individual context (feelings, beliefs, and behaviors). Study findings illustrate the intersectionality of contextual influences on the experience of low-income older adults. Study participants demonstrated remarkable resilience and coping strategies developed in response to the challenges they experienced throughout their lifetime which benefited them when faced with the pandemic, social unrest, and political events that took place in 2020. This study highlights the importance of understanding the larger context of COVID-19 which has significant implications for policy makers and public health leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi M. Winship
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Tracey Gendron
- Department of Gerontology, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Virginia Center on Aging, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Leland Waters
- Department of Gerontology, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Virginia Center on Aging, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jane Chung
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kimberly Battle
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Melissa Cisewski
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Melody Gregory
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lana Sargent
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Faika Zanjani
- Department of Gerontology, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Patrica Slattum
- Virginia Center on Aging, College of Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Marissa Mackiewicz
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Program, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Ana Diallo
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Katherine Falls
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Elvin T. Price
- Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Geriatric Pharmacotherapy Program, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Pamela L. Parsons
- School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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Stone LB, Veksler AE. Stop talking about it already! Co-ruminating and social media focused on COVID-19 was associated with heightened state anxiety, depressive symptoms, and perceived changes in health anxiety during Spring 2020. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:22. [PMID: 35130965 PMCID: PMC8819886 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00734-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social distancing presents a significant obstacle for relationships and threatens mental health. Identifying maladaptive, voluntary coping strategies may inform how to maintain interpersonal relationships and mental health during quarantine. Co-ruminating with peers on negative events, moods and fears has adjustment trade-offs of increasing depression and anxiety risk while also enhancing friendship quality. Similarly, social media use is associated with social benefits and risk to mental health. We extend prior research by examining whether co-ruminating on COVID-19, social media use, and social media use focused on COVID-19 during social isolation was associated with heightened depression and anxiety symptoms but also lower loneliness and higher social support during initial lockdown measures in the USA. METHODS Adults were recruited through social media (n = 345) to complete self-report surveys on co-rumination, social media use, social distancing, social support from March-May 2020. During this cross-sectional assessment, in addition to completing surveys on current depressive symptoms and state and health anxiety, participants also provided retrospective report of their perceived health anxiety levels six months prior. RESULTS Co-ruminating on COVID-19 with peers and greater time on social media focused on COVID-19 predicted perceived increases in health anxiety and were also associated with higher depressive symptoms and state anxiety, even after controlling for significant demographic predictors. Further, in the context of social distancing, both interaction strategies failed to confer social benefits. CONCLUSIONS Results have direct implications for maintaining psychosocial health during social distancing restrictions. Adults may modify how they engage with peers by limiting COVID-19 content on social media and COVID-19 discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey B Stone
- Department of Psychology, Georgia Southern University, PO Box 8041, Statesboro, GA, 30460, USA.
| | - Alice E Veksler
- Department of Communication, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, USA
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Mental Health Status of People with Multiple Sclerosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030576. [PMID: 35160029 PMCID: PMC8836509 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. This study assesses and compares the mental health status of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in Poland during the second wave of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (November 2020) to a similar group whose mental health status was examined in November 2017. It also analyzed the psychological resources such as self-efficacy and health locus of control (HLC) and their relationship to mental health in both groups. Methods. Cross-sectional study included two groups of PwMS with 113 respondents each. The respondents completed the General Health Questionnaire-12 and questionnaires for assessing self-efficacy and HLC. The clinical and demographic data of participants were also collected. Results. No differences in mental health status were observed between the studied groups. A hierarchical regression model of the group studied in 2020 revealed that general self-efficacy (β = −0.21, p = 0.032), HLC—internal (β = −0.21, p = 0.035), and education (β = −0.18, p = 0.048) explained 18% of the variance in the mental health of PwMS, whereas according to the model of the group assessed in 2017 self-efficacy (β = –0.31, p < 0.001), HLC—chance (β = 0.45, p < 0.001), and HLC—internal (β = −0.37, p < 0.001) explained 48% of the variance. Conclusions. Study results suggest that the pandemic and the related lockdown had no effect on the mental health status of PwMS. At the same time, it was noted that well known determinants of mental health such as self-efficacy and HLC seemed to retain their prominent role for mental functioning in the pandemic.
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Vintila M, Tudorel OI, Stefanut A, Ivanoff A, Bucur V. Emotional distress and coping strategies in COVID-19 anxiety. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35035193 PMCID: PMC8744025 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02690-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to identify psychological factors affected by the COVID-19 pandemic given the information we have about reactions during previous pandemics, which documented features of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. We investigated the relationship between health anxiety, symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress, and coping mechanisms in the general population and among students. The study was conducted on Romanian population (n = 759), aged between 18-70 years old (M = 33.24), general population (n = 485), and students (n = 274). The results showed that the general population is more anxious when confronted with the new virus compared to students (t (757) = 1.902, p < .05, p = .029). Following the analysis of the hierarchical regression, the results revealed that when controlling the health anxiety variable, a high level of anxiety symptoms and stress, and a low level of depression symptoms could predict anxiety for COVID-19 (R 2 = .070, F change (3, 754) = 16.759, p ˂ .001). Also, we found that maladaptive strategies are the ones which explain the relationship between health anxiety and COVID-19-related anxiety (95% CI = .011 - .057). The results of this study bring extra knowledge and shed new light on the psychological aspects of the current sanitary crisis and contribute to the understanding of the way people relate to this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Vintila
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Otilia Ioana Tudorel
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Adelina Stefanut
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Alexandra Ivanoff
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Venera Bucur
- Department of Social Work, West University of Timisoara, Vasile Pârvan Blvd., 300223 Timișoara, Romania
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Lo Presti S, Mattavelli G, Canessa N, Gianelli C. Risk perception and behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic: Predicting variables of compliance with lockdown measures. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262319. [PMID: 34986209 PMCID: PMC8730439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures to counteract it have highlighted the role of individual differences in evaluating and reacting to emergencies, and the challenges inherent in promoting precautionary behaviours. We aimed to explore the psychological and cognitive factors modulating behaviour and intentions during the national lockdown in Italy. We administered an online questionnaire (N = 244) that included tests for assessing personality traits (Temperament and Character Inventory; Locus of Control of Behaviour) and moral judgment (Moral Foundations Questionnaire), alongside behavioural economics tasks addressing different facets of risk attitude (loss aversion, risk aversion and delay discounting). We then assessed the extent to which individual variations in these dimensions modulated participants' compliance with the lockdown norms. When assessing their joint contribution via multiple regressions, lockdown adherence was mostly predicted by internal locus of control, psycho-economic dimensions suggestive of long-sighted and loss-averse attitudes, as well as personality traits related to cautionary behaviour, such as harm avoidance, and the authority moral concern. These findings show that a multi-domain assessment of the factors underlying personal intentions, and thus driving compliance with government measures, can help predict individuals' actions during health emergencies. This evidence points to factors that should be considered when developing interventions and communication strategies to promote precautionary behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lo Presti
- IUSS Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON) Center, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Mattavelli
- IUSS Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON) Center, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Pavia Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Nicola Canessa
- IUSS Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON) Center, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Pavia Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Claudia Gianelli
- IUSS Cognitive Neuroscience (ICON) Center, Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS, Pavia, Italy
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory of Pavia Institute, Pavia, Italy
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Wandschneider L, Batram-Zantvoort S, Alaze A, Niehues V, Spallek J, Razum O, Miani C. Self-reported mental well-being of mothers with young children during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: A mixed-methods study. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 18:17455057221114274. [PMID: 35997231 PMCID: PMC9424892 DOI: 10.1177/17455057221114274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mothers of young children have been identified as a particularly vulnerable group during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to explore how occupational, psychosocial and partnership-related factors were associated with their self-reported mental well-being during the first COVID-19 wave. METHODS Five hundred fifty participants of the BaBi cohort study (est. 2013, Bielefeld, North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany) were invited to complete an online survey and to take part in email interviews (April-May 2020). With survey data, we assessed self-reported mental well-being through validated instruments (eight-item Patient Health Questionnaire; short version of the Symptom Checklist) and ran linear regression models for occupational, psychosocial and partnership-related factors. We performed content analysis on the interviews' data to further understand the determinants of the women's mental well-being. RESULTS One hundred twenty-four women participated in the survey; of which 17 also participated in the interviews. A perceived lack of support in childcare was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, while having a higher internal locus of control was associated with lower levels. Psychological distress was higher in those reporting lack of emotional or childcare support. Interviews confirmed the interplay of potential stressors and highlighted the difficulties to reconcile different expectations of motherhood. DISCUSSION Occupational, psychosocial and partner-related factors can act (to varying degree) both as resources and stressors to the self-reported mental well-being of mothers of young children. These impacts took different forms and created opportunities or challenges, depending on specific life circumstances, such as work or family situations, relationships and own psychosocial resources. Although not representative, our study contributes to building the COVID-19 evidence base, delineating the mental health toll of the pandemic on mothers of young children and the factors that contribute to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Wandschneider
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Stephanie Batram-Zantvoort
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Anita Alaze
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Vera Niehues
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jacob Spallek
- Department of Public Health, Institute
for Health, Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg, Senftenberg,
Germany
| | - Oliver Razum
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Céline Miani
- Department of Epidemiology and
International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Bielefeld, Germany
- Céline Miani, Department of Epidemiology
and International Public Health, School of Public Health, Bielefeld University,
Universitaetsstr. 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
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Delgado CE, Silva EA, Castro EABD, Carbogim FDC, Püschel VADA, Cavalcante RB. COVID-19 infodemic and adult and elderly mental health: a scoping review. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2021; 55:e20210170. [PMID: 34855932 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2021-0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to map scientific knowledge about the repercussions of the infodemic on adult and elderly mental health in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD this is a scoping review, developed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, which included 33 articles. These articles were analyzed according to average age, gender and education level; place and period of the studies; exposure time to COVID-19 information; main signs and symptoms related to mental health; main sources of information; suggestions for mitigating the effects of the infodemic; and knowledge gaps. RESULTS the most present repercussions of the infodemic on the adult and elderly mental health were anxiety, depression and stress, and the most affected group was young adults and females. CONCLUSION future studies with more robust designs are needed to investigate the repercussions of the infodemic on people's mental health in the medium and long term, as well as to assess the effects, feasibility, cost-benefit and meaning of interventions in population groups, especially in the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eveline Aparecida Silva
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Enfermagem, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Fabio da Costa Carbogim
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Enfermagem, Departamento de Enfermagem Aplicada, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.,Centro Brasileiro para o Cuidado à Saúde Informado por Evidências: Centro de Excelência do JBI Brasil, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Docente do programa de Pós-graduação da Faculdade de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Vilanice Alves de Araújo Püschel
- Universidade de São Paulo, Escola de Enfermagem, Departamento de Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Centro Brasileiro para o Cuidado à Saúde Informado por Evidências: Centro de Excelência do JBI Brasil, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Bezerra Cavalcante
- Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Faculdade de Enfermagem, Departamento de Enfermagem Aplicada, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.,Docente do programa de Pós-graduação da Faculdade de Enfermagem da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
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Ganjoo M, Farhadi A, Baghbani R, Daneshi S, Nemati R. Association between health locus of control and perceived stress in college student during the COVID-19 outbreak: a cross-sectional study in Iran. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:529. [PMID: 34702220 PMCID: PMC8547728 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic as a global mental health crisis has affected everyone, including students. The present study aimed to determine and investigate the relationship between health locus of control and perceived stress in students of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences (southern Iran) during the outbreak of COVID-19. METHODS The present cross-sectional study examined 250 students of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences. We performed simple random sampling and utilized the demographic information form, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale (MHLCS) by Wallston, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) by Cohen to collect data. We analyzed data using the SPSS, Pearson correlation coefficient, and the hierarchical regression model with an error level of 5%. RESULTS The mean perceived stress was 30.74 ± 8.09, and 92.4% of the students had moderate and high stress levels. Among the components of the health locus of control, the internal health locus of control (IHLC) had the highest mean in students (27.55 ± 3.81). Furthermore, the internal health locus of control (R = - 0.30, P < 0.001) had a significant inverse relationship, with perceived stress and the chance health locus of control (CHLC) (R = 0.30, P < 0.001) had a significant direct relationship. In the final regression model, the health locus of control and all the variables predicted 22.7% of the perceived stress variation in students during the COVID-19 period. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the internal health locus of control was associated with a reduction of perceived stress, and the powerful others health locus of control (PHLC) was related to its increase in students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the uncertain future, in the present work, universities are suggested to design web-based educational interventions alongside the curriculum to further strengthen the internal health locus of control and thus help reduce their perceived stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahasty Ganjoo
- grid.411832.dDepartment of Medical Emergencies, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Akram Farhadi
- grid.411832.dDepartment of Health Education and Promotion, Faculty of Health, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Reza Baghbani
- grid.411832.dDepartment of Medical Emergencies, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Safieh Daneshi
- grid.411832.dClinical Research Development Center, Shohadaye- Khalije- Fars Hospital, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Reza Nemati
- Department of Medical Emergencies, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran.
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40
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Pisl V, Volavka J, Chvojkova E, Cechova K, Kavalirova G, Vevera J. Willingness to Vaccinate Against COVID-19: The Role of Health Locus of Control and Conspiracy Theories. Front Psychol 2021; 12:717960. [PMID: 34744880 PMCID: PMC8569555 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.717960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the predictors of the willingness to get vaccinated against COVID-19 may aid in the resolution of current and future pandemics. We investigate how the readiness to believe conspiracy theories and the three dimensions of health locus of control (HLOC) affect the attitude toward vaccination. A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the data from an online survey of a sample of Czech university students (n = 866) collected in January 2021, using the multivariate linear regression models and moderation analysis. The results found that 60% of Czech students wanted to get vaccinated against COVID-19. In addition, 40% of the variance of willingness to get vaccinated was explained by the belief in the COVID-19-related conspiracy theories and the powerful others dimension of HLOC. One-sixth of the variance of the willingness to get vaccinated was explained by HLOC, cognitive reflection, and digital health literacy [eHealth Literacy Scale (EHEALS)]. HLOC and conspiracy mentality (CM) and its predictors are valid predictors of a hesitancy to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The campaigns promoting vaccination should target the groups specifically vulnerable to the conspiracy theories and lacking HLOC related to powerful others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtech Pisl
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Jan Volavka
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Edita Chvojkova
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Katerina Cechova
- Memory Clinic, Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Motol University Hospital, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Gabriela Kavalirova
- Center of Physical Education and Sport, Faculty of Education, University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Jan Vevera
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
- Institute for Postgraduate Medical Education, Prague, Czechia
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Richter L, Heidinger T. Hitting Close to Home: The Effect of COVID-19 Illness in the Social Environment on Psychological Burden in Older Adults. Front Psychol 2021; 12:737787. [PMID: 34646219 PMCID: PMC8502856 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.737787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examines the impact of COVID-19 experience of infection in the individual's social environment on psychological burden controlling for a broad range of factors using data on an older population (50+ years). Based on the empirical evidence of preexisting studies, it is hypothesized that psychological burden will increase concurrent to the severity of COVID-19 experience (tested positive, hospitalized, and death) independent of the other stressors resulting from the pandemic, such as a subjective sense of uncertainty or financial burden. Data of the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in EUROPE, and a European cross-national panel study were used to examine this hypothesis. Besides Chi2 test and Spearman's rho, a logistic regression model was constructed to test the hypothesized model. The study confirms that there is significantly higher risk for psychological burden by heightened COVID-19 severity in the social environment independent of multiple also significantly influential variables depicting stressors to everyday life of older people during the pandemic. The results point to the importance of multiple factors (social, financial, health, and sociodemographic) which have significantly affected the psychological condition of the individual during the past year. Conclusively, the results illustrate the dilemma that infection and illness in the social circle, as well as countermeasures (social distancing), have negative consequences for our mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Richter
- Department of Social Sciences, St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Theresa Heidinger
- Department of General Health Studies, Division Gerontology and Health Research, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
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Devereux PG, Miller MK, Kirshenbaum JM. Moral disengagement, locus of control, and belief in a just world: Individual differences relate to adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2021; 182:111069. [PMID: 34538994 PMCID: PMC8439711 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We examined relationships between moral disengagement, locus of control, and just world beliefs and adherence to COVID-19 containment measures. We predicted that these individual differences would be more influential for adherence than beliefs about the pandemic (e.g., its origins and one's perceived susceptibility to infection). COVID-19-related measures of these three individual differences were each significantly associated with adherence even after controlling for demographics and pandemic beliefs although beliefs about the severity of the virus and the benefits of containment measures also significantly related to adherence. Beliefs were associated with the individual difference measures and political orientation. Moral disengagement, the strongest individual difference predictor, was associated with lower support for each pandemic containment precaution (e.g., mask wearing). These results can be used to frame messages to increase adherence to public health measures.
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43
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Misamer M, Signerski-Krieger J, Bartels C, Belz M. Internal Locus of Control and Sense of Coherence Decrease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Students and Professionals in Social Work. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2021; 6:705809. [PMID: 34604376 PMCID: PMC8479157 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2021.705809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mental health is severely challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic due to a variety of restrictions in public and private life. Students in particular may face additional and unique stressors: face-to-face classes have been largely replaced by digital formats, leading to further reduced social contacts, thus facilitating the development of psychological symptoms. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of the current peri-pandemic situation on students' 1) locus of control and 2) sense of coherence, both of which have been linked to mental health in previous work. A total of 403 social work students from Germany participated, providing both retrospective (pre-pandemic) and current (February/March 2021) ratings. Furthermore, 324 social work professionals were included to analyze differences between both groups. Locus of control shifted significantly from internal to external during the pandemic for students and professionals. Furthermore, high mental burden correlated with increased external and decreased internal locus of control. Sense of coherence decreased during the pandemic for the entire sample and correlated with high mental burden. Overall, students showed a stronger drop compared to professionals, primarily due to a more pronounced decrease in perceived meaningfulness (all p < 0.001). In summary, students and professionals responded with increased feelings of powerlessness in the absence of sufficient coping strategies-this could lead to further deterioration of mental health as the pandemic continues. In this context, students appear to be particularly vulnerable to a reduction in sense of coherence. We conclude that interventions to improve coping strategies are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Misamer
- HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Signerski-Krieger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Bartels
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Belz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
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Yi J, Chen IH, Lin CY, Li CC, Liao XL, Wei ZH, Gamble JH. The Effect of Primary and Middle School Teachers' Problematic Internet Use and Fear of COVID-19 on Psychological Need Thwarting of Online Teaching and Psychological Distress. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1199. [PMID: 34574973 PMCID: PMC8466317 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9091199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Problematic Internet use (PIU) is a risk factor for psychological distress during COVID-19, as teachers are a psychologically vulnerable population. We explored the role of PIU in terms of primary and middle school teachers' fear of COVID-19 and psychological need thwarting (PNT) of online teaching. We empirically evaluated the relationships among these research variables in explaining teachers' psychological distress during COVID-19. Online survey data were collected from 9030 teachers. A high proportion of participants demonstrated psychological distress: depression (20.4%), anxiety (26.4%), and stress (10.2%). Structural equation modeling was used to test our proposed conceptual model, wherein PIU behaviors served as predictors, mediated by fear of COVID-19 and PNT of online teaching, for teachers' psychological distress. With ideal model fit, the results of the path coefficients indicated that PIU behaviors were associated with fear of COVID-19 (p < 0.001); fear of COVID-19 and PNT of online teaching were associated with psychological distress (p < 0.001); and fear of COVID-19 was also positively associated with PNT of online teaching (p < 0.001). PSU and PSMU had an indirect positive effect on psychological distress through the mediator of fear of COVID-19 and PNT of online teaching. As such, we suggest that school administrators pay greater attention to teachers' psychological needs through efforts to enhance teachers' autonomy and relatedness from interpersonal relationships, alleviating PNT of online teaching. Our PNT of online teaching scale may also serve as a contribution for further research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yi
- College of Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China;
| | - I-Hua Chen
- Chinese Academy of Education Big Data, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Chung-Ying Lin
- Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan;
- Department of Public Health, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chieh Li
- School of Education, Zhaoqing University, Zhaoqing 526061, China;
| | - Xiao-Ling Liao
- International College, Krirk University, Bangkok 10220, Thailand;
| | - Zhi-Hui Wei
- Development and Research Department, Shanghai Open University, Shanghai 200433, China;
| | - Jeffrey Hugh Gamble
- Department of Foreign Languages, National Chiayi University, 85 Wenlong Village, Minhsiung County, Chiayi 62103, Taiwan
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Krampe H, Danbolt LJ, Haver A, Stålsett G, Schnell T. Locus of control moderates the association of COVID-19 stress and general mental distress: results of a Norwegian and a German-speaking cross-sectional survey. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:437. [PMID: 34488667 PMCID: PMC8419811 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03418-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An internal locus of control (LoC I) refers to the belief that the outcome of events in one's life is contingent upon one's actions, whereas an external locus of control (LoC E) describes the belief that chance and powerful others control one's life. This study investigated whether LoC I and LoC E moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress in the general population during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional survey study analysed data from a Norwegian (n = 1225) and a German-speaking sample (n = 1527). We measured LoC with the Locus of Control-4 Scale (IE-4), COVID-19 stress with a scale developed for this purpose, and mental distress with the Patient Health Questionnaire 4 (PHQ-4). Moderation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. RESULTS The association between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress was strong (r = .61 and r = .55 for the Norwegian and the German-speaking sample, respectively). In both samples, LoC showed substantial moderation effects. LoC I served as a buffer (p < .001), and LoC E exacerbated (p < .001) the relation between COVID-19 stress and general mental distress. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic is easier to bear for people who, despite pandemic-related strains, feel that they generally have influence over their own lives. An external locus of control, conversely, is associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The prevention of mental distress may be supported by enabling a sense of control through citizen participation in policy decisions and transparent explanation in their implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Krampe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine (CCM, CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lars Johan Danbolt
- Practical Theology, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Psychology of Religion, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway
| | - Annie Haver
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Norwegian School of Hotel Management, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Gry Stålsett
- Social Sciences, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Oslo, Norway
- Modum Bad Psychiatric Center, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Tatjana Schnell
- Social Sciences, MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Oslo, Norway.
- Existential Psychology Lab, Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Georgieva I, Lepping P, Bozev V, Lickiewicz J, Pekara J, Wikman S, Loseviča M, Raveesh BN, Mihai A, Lantta T. Prevalence, New Incidence, Course, and Risk Factors of PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, and Panic Disorder during the Covid-19 Pandemic in 11 Countries. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9060664. [PMID: 34204925 PMCID: PMC8227861 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9060664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and panic disorder (PD) among citizens in 11 countries during the Covid-19 pandemic. We explored risks and protective factors most associated with the development of these mental health disorders and their course at 68 days follow up. We acquired 9543 unique responses via an online survey that was disseminated in UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, India, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Sweden. The prevalence and new incidence during the pandemic for at least one disorder was 48.6% and 17.6%, with the new incidence of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorder being 11.4%, 8.4%, 9.3%, and 3%, respectively. Higher resilience was associated with lower mental health burden for all disorders. Ten to thirteen associated factors explained 79% of the variance in PTSD, 80% in anxiety, 78% in depression, and 89% in PD. To reduce the mental health burden, governments should refrain from implementing many highly restrictive and lasting containment measures. Public health campaigns should focus their effort on alleviating stress and fear, promoting resilience, building public trust in government and medical care, and persuading the population of the measures' effectiveness. Psychosocial services and resources should be allocated to facilitate individual and community-level recovery from the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Georgieva
- Department of Cognitive Science and Psychology, New Bulgarian University, 1618 Sofia, Bulgaria
- Correspondence:
| | - Peter Lepping
- Centre for Mental Health and Society, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2DG, UK;
- Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Karnataka 570001, India
| | - Vasil Bozev
- Department of Statistics and Econometrics, University of National and World Economy, 1700 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Jakub Lickiewicz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College Kraków, 31-008 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Jaroslav Pekara
- Paramedic Department, Medical College in Prague, 121 08 Prague, Czech Republic;
| | - Sofia Wikman
- Department of Criminology, University of Gävle, 80176 Gävle, Sweden;
| | - Marina Loseviča
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia;
| | | | - Adriana Mihai
- Clinical Department of Medicine, GE Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy Science and Technology, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Tella Lantta
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland;
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47
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Fear, Stress, Resilience and Coping Strategies during COVID-19 in Spanish University Students. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13115824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 (2019 coronavirus pandemic) and the resulting confinement has had an impact on mental health and the educational environment, affecting the stress, concerns, fear, and life quality of the university population. This study aimed to examine the correlation between fear of COVID-19, stress with COVID-19, and technological stress in university students, and their resilience, self-esteem, and coping strategies. The final sample comprised 180 Spanish university students, with an average age of 20.76 years (SD = 4.59). The above-mentioned effects were administered a series of self-report scales. We found statistically significant associations between fear of COVID-19 and stress with COVID-19, technological stress (total score), overload, and complexity (subdimensions of technological stress). Likewise, we found inverse relationships between the students’ fear of COVID-19 and the use of the coping strategy, cognitive restructuring. Ascertaining the factors that influence the coping strategies of undergraduate university students and their fears, psychological stress, and resilience provides valuable information for the development of educational interventions. This research has relevant implications for the diagnosis, orientation, and design of psycho-educational and clinical interventions that can improve students’ well-being and training for effective coping strategies for daily stress and this pandemic situation.
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Sitanggang FP, Wirawan GBS, Wirawan IMA, Lesmana CBJ, Januraga PP. Determinants of Mental Health and Practice Behaviors of General Practitioners During COVID-19 Pandemic in Bali, Indonesia: A Cross-sectional Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:2055-2064. [PMID: 34040468 PMCID: PMC8141387 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s305373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aim to study the level of mental health distress and COVID-19 prevention in practice behaviors among general practitioners (GPs) in Bali, Indonesia, as well as their determinants. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey. Survey recruitment material was disseminated by purposive snowballing through regional professional association as well as research team's personal acquaintances. The survey measured mental health status by DASS-21 questionnaire and practice behavior by a questionnaire based on WHO recommendations for hand hygiene and PPE use during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted multivariate analyses to identify independent determinants for mental health and practice behavior. RESULTS Analyses included 635 (41.75%) of GPs in Bali. Mental health status was relatively good with prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress of 13.2%, 19.7%, and 11% respectively, lower than previous studies in Indonesia and elsewhere. Practice behavior, however, was not considerably lower with only 65.4% and 32.1% reported consistent hand hygiene and recommended PPE use respectively. Routine optional PPE use was reported by 23.6% of respondents. Long working hours and fear of COVID-19 was identified as detrimental to mental health while consistent hand hygiene improved it. Meanwhile, workplace, work setting, and fear of COVID-19, were identified as determinants for PPE use. GPs working in primary health centers and private hospitals were also found to have less adherence to hand hygiene protocols. CONCLUSION Our results showed relatively good mental health status along with inadequate infection prevention in practice behavior of GPs in Bali, Indonesia. Intervention should be made to improve practice behavior. Determinants of practice behavior identified in this study could help to pinpoint intervention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firman Parulian Sitanggang
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University/Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Gede Benny Setia Wirawan
- Center for Public Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
| | - I Md Ady Wirawan
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Cokorda Bagus Jaya Lesmana
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University/Sanglah General Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
| | - Pande Putu Januraga
- Center for Public Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
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Wegmann E, Brandtner A, Brand M. Perceived Strain Due to COVID-19-Related Restrictions Mediates the Effect of Social Needs and Fear of Missing Out on the Risk of a Problematic Use of Social Networks. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:623099. [PMID: 33967850 PMCID: PMC8102741 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.623099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of the COVID-19-virus led to drastic short-term measures to reduce its spread and influence. Regulations such as "physical distancing," mentioned as "social distancing," and the closure of public facilities during the lockdown could be perceived as burdensome especially by individuals who feel a strong need for social exchange and belonging. These components such as need to belong and the fear of missing out also play a major role in the development and maintenance of a problematic use of social networks. Researchers have argued recently that an increase of addictive (online) behaviors may be a likely consequence of subjectively experienced restrictions in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study investigates the interplay of perceived strain due to COVID-19-related restrictions and the fear of missing out (FoMO) as well as of symptoms of problematic social-networks use. We hypothesized that perceived strain due to COVID-19-related restrictions mediates the effect of specific predisposing variables related to social needs on the symptom severity of a problematic use. To assess the perceived strain due to COVID-19-related restrictions, we developed a specific questionnaire asking for perceived COVID-19-related strain in several domains of everyday-life. An exploratory factor analysis identified five factors: perceived strain related to restrictions of (1) social contacts, (2) travel, (3) childcare, (4) work, and (5) own health. In a sample of 719 German participants and data collection during the first COVID-19 lockdown (March 30th until April 3rd 2020), a structural equation model was calculated showing that higher levels of need to belong and FoMO increase perceived COVID-19-related strain, which is related to symptoms of a problematic social-networks use. The effect of need to belong on problematic social-networks use is mediated by experienced COVID-19-related strain and FoMO-online. Even if the use of social networks is not pathological per se, it may be associated with suffering for a vulnerable part of users. We conclude that specific needs and fear-associated predisposing variables contribute to experiencing physical distance and other pandemic-related restrictions as more stressful, which may increase problematic social-networks use and potentially other addictive behaviors as well in the context of the COVID-19-related lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Wegmann
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Annika Brandtner
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Brand
- General Psychology: Cognition and Center for Behavioral Addiction Research (CeBAR), University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Essen, Germany
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Ma D, Yuan H. Neighborhood Environment, Internet Use and Mental Distress among Older Adults: The Case of Shanghai, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073616. [PMID: 33807261 PMCID: PMC8037533 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As the Internet evolves in urban communities, its consequences on mental distress have drawn significant research attention. We examine the relationships of mental distress with neighborhood environment and Internet use among older adults, using data from a representative sample of 2036 adults aged older than 60 years in Shanghai, China. We assess mental health with a 10-item scale from the Symptom Checklist 90 and Internet use with a 4-item scale and obtain information of neighborhood environment from an online map platform. Results from multilevel models show that both neighborhood environment and Internet use are significantly related to mental distress. Moreover, a worse neighborhood environment may strengthen the correlation between Internet use and mental distress, indicating the strong moderating role of the neighborhood environment. Thus, promoting Internet use among elderly people might result in a reduction in the prevalence of mental distress in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Ma
- Department of Sociology, Shanghai Administration Institute, Shanghai 200233, China;
| | - Hao Yuan
- School of Sociology and Political Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-21-66134142
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