International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

11 pages, 963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autistic Traits Related to the Importance of Interpersonal Touch and Appreciation of Observed Touch during COVID-19 Social Distancing

by Jutta R. de Jong, Hendrik Christiaan Dijkerman and Anouk Keizer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(18), 6738; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186738 - 11 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1561

Abstract

Studies have confirmed the significance of touch for psychological wellbeing. Social distancing regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced people’s ability to engage in interpersonal touch and caused increased an appreciation for observed touch, as well as a longing for touch within the neurotypical [...] Read more.

Studies have confirmed the significance of touch for psychological wellbeing. Social distancing regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic reduced people’s ability to engage in interpersonal touch and caused increased an appreciation for observed touch, as well as a longing for touch within the neurotypical population. Yet, while the impact of social distancing and the importance of touch are evident in neurotypical individuals, it remains unclear how these factors manifest in autistic individuals. Previous research has related high levels of autistic traits to reduced levels of perceived pleasantness of touch and a reduced interest in interpersonal touch. Our study aimed to examine the differences in the appreciation of observed touch and longing for touch during social distancing between individuals with low and high levels of autistic traits. We conducted an online survey on autistic traits, the appreciation of observed CT-optimal touch and longing for touch. Consistent with our predictions, our results confirmed that individuals with high levels of autistic traits evaluated videos depicting CT-optimal touch less favorably compared to those with lower scores on autistic traits. Additionally, only the group with low levels of autistic traits exhibited a longing for touch during social distancing, whereas the group with high levels of autistic traits did not. The results provide insights in the appreciation of touch in relation to autistic traits during the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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19 pages, 405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptive Coping Strategies at the Time of COVID-19: The Role of Social and General Trust

by Anna Rita Graziani, Lucia Botindari, Michela Menegatti and Silvia Moscatelli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(15), 6512; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20156512 - 3 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

Research in the field shows the crucial role of trust in the functioning of many aspects of social life, especially when dealing with emergencies. We report the results of a study (N = 883) carried out in Italy during the first phase [...] Read more.

Research in the field shows the crucial role of trust in the functioning of many aspects of social life, especially when dealing with emergencies. We report the results of a study (N = 883) carried out in Italy during the first phase of the COVID-19 crisis to assess whether and how social trust (i.e., trust in those who have the authority and responsibility for making decisions, such as the Italian government, the regional government, the Civil Protection, the European Union, the Catholic Church, and the scientific community) and general trust (i.e., trust in the trustworthiness of other individuals, such as Italians and humankind) are associated with the employment of coping strategies in dealing with the challenges of the pandemic. Overall, the results highlight that trust in different authorities and institutions and trust in other human beings are positively associated with the adoption of adaptive coping strategies such as seeking social support, positive reinterpretation and growth, problem-solving orientation, and transcendent orientation. In contrast, they are negatively related to the adoption of maladaptive coping strategies such as avoidance. These findings point out the benefits of various types of trust in helping individuals deal with crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

11 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Masana Ujihara, Hirokazu Tachikawa, Asumi Takahashi, Towa Gen and Yoshinori Cho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4991; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064991 - 12 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2108

Abstract

Purpose: Psychological distress and related factors in suicide prevention supporters during the COVID-19 pandemic were clarified. Methods: A web-based survey for supporters from helplines or psychiatric institutions was conducted from May to July 2021. It included items about profession, stress and anxiety, and [...] Read more.

Purpose: Psychological distress and related factors in suicide prevention supporters during the COVID-19 pandemic were clarified. Methods: A web-based survey for supporters from helplines or psychiatric institutions was conducted from May to July 2021. It included items about profession, stress and anxiety, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Results: 818 participants were analyzed. Psychological distress was significantly higher among healthcare workers in psychiatric institutions than among helpline volunteers. The factor most related to psychological distress in both professions was insufficient rest with overwork. Distress in helpline volunteers was related to their lack of ability to support people with suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, excessive media coverage related to COVID-19, and trouble dealing with complainers. Distress in healthcare workers was related to their lack of ability to provide sufficient support to their clients due to infection prevention measures. Conclusion: Psychological distress among suicide prevention supporters during the pandemic has been affected by overwork, the fact that helpline volunteers cannot be trained in suicide prevention, and the fact that healthcare workers can only provide insufficient support to their clients due to infection prevention measures. To maintain suicide prevention during pandemics, it is necessary to implement measures that are tailored to the factors of psychological distress in supporters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

14 pages, 926 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Living through a Global Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Psychological Resilience of the University Population in Iran

by Fereshteh Ahmadi, Önver Andreas Cetrez and Saeid Zandi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4844; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064844 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1465

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to describe and understand the individual and social dimensions of resiliency among Iranian academics as professionals during the early wave of the ongoing pandemic. Furthermore, we aimed to emphasize the cultural context in our analysis. Method: A cross-sectional survey [...] Read more.

Aims: This study aimed to describe and understand the individual and social dimensions of resiliency among Iranian academics as professionals during the early wave of the ongoing pandemic. Furthermore, we aimed to emphasize the cultural context in our analysis. Method: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted. We used convenient sampling, administered through an online survey, among academics at Iranian universities (n = 196, 75% women). We employed the CD-RISC 2 instrument, items on life meaning, and a modified version of Pargament’s RCOPE instrument (Meaning, Control, Comfort/Spirituality, Intimacy/Spirituality, and Life Transformation). Results: The results revealed a strong level of resilience among men (M = 5.78) and women (M = 5.52). Self-rated health was rated as excellent, very good, or good among a majority (92%) of the participants, more so among men. Family was one of the factors that most strongly gave life meaning, followed by friends, work/school, and religion/spirituality. There was a strong correlation between self-rated health and life as part of a greater whole, being alone, and listening to the sounds of the surrounding nature. Conclusions: Both personal and social levels of resilience and meaning-making are seen in the results, with an ability to balance between obstacles and resources. Cultural practices are interdependent, which also include the individual and social dimensions of resiliency and meaning-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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18 pages, 404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Burnout, Depression, and Job Stress Factors in Healthcare Workers of a Romanian COVID-19 Dedicated Hospital, after Two Pandemic Years

by Violeta Briciu, Daniel-Corneliu Leucuta, Gyöngyvér Erika Tőkés and Doina Colcear

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 4118; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054118 - 25 Feb 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3468

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic put unprecedented pressure on all areas of activity, especially healthcare workers. Understanding the psychological response to the pandemic in healthcare workers is an important challenge. This study aims to investigate burnout, depression, and job stress factors in the medical personnel [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic put unprecedented pressure on all areas of activity, especially healthcare workers. Understanding the psychological response to the pandemic in healthcare workers is an important challenge. This study aims to investigate burnout, depression, and job stress factors in the medical personnel of a COVID-19-dedicated hospital, two years after the beginning of the pandemic. The survey was performed between the fifth and sixth pandemic waves in Romania. Employees of the Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, completed an online survey using four tools: Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), the Karasek Job factors questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ-9). A total of 114 employees completed the questionnaire (10.83% of total employees). The results showed 100% prevalence of Maslach burnout (56.1% moderate and severe burnout) and 63.1% prevalence of depression. The infectious disease resident doctors had the highest prevalence of burnout scores, depression, and perceived Karasek job demands. The 22- to 30-year-old age group and the group with fewer than ten years of professional experience had a significantly higher prevalence of burnout and depression than older employees or employees with more professional experience. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a high impact on the mental health of healthcare workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

10 pages, 310 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Longing for Touch and Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Birgit Hasenack, Larissa L. Meijer, Jonas C. C. Kamps, Andy Mahon, Giulia Titone, H. Chris Dijkerman and Anouk Keizer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053855 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2140

Abstract

To combat the spread of the COVID-19, regulations were introduced to limit physical interactions. This could induce a longing for touch in the general population and subsequently impact social, psychological, physical and environmental quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was [...] Read more.

To combat the spread of the COVID-19, regulations were introduced to limit physical interactions. This could induce a longing for touch in the general population and subsequently impact social, psychological, physical and environmental quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between COVID-19 regulations, longing for touch and QoL. A total of 1978 participants from different countries completed an online survey, including questions about their general wellbeing and the desire to be touched. In our sample, 83% of participants reported a longing for touch. Longing for touch was subsequently associated with a lower physical, psychological and social QoL. No association was found with environmental QoL. These findings highlight the importance of touch for QoL and suggest that the COVID-19 regulations have concurrent negative consequences for the wellbeing of the general population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

13 pages, 675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beneficial Effects of an Online Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Sleep Quality in Italian Poor Sleepers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Randomized Trial

by Teresa Fazia, Francesco Bubbico, Andrea Nova, Salvatore Bruno, Davide Iozzi, Beril Calgan, Giancarlo Caimi, Michele Terzaghi, Raffaele Manni and Luisa Bernardinelli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2724; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032724 - 3 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4306

Abstract

Sleep of inadequate quantity and quality is increasing in the present 24 h society, with a negative impact on physical and mental health. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) generate a state of calm behavior that can reduce hyperactivity and improve sleep. We hypothesized that our [...] Read more.

Sleep of inadequate quantity and quality is increasing in the present 24 h society, with a negative impact on physical and mental health. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) generate a state of calm behavior that can reduce hyperactivity and improve sleep. We hypothesized that our specific MBI, administered online, may improve sleep quality and foster emotion regulation and mindfulness. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleep Condition Indicator (SCI), Arousal Predisposition Scale (APS), Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST), Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used to measure sleep quality and stability. Emotion regulation and mindfulness were measured via the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Our MBI included 12 biweekly integral meditation (IM) classes, recorded IM training for individual practice, and dietary advice to promote sleep regulation. Fifty-six voluntary poor sleepers with a PSQI score of >5 were randomly allocated to treated (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups. Linear mixed models were used to estimate the effectiveness of the intervention. Statistically significant results were observed in the FFMQ sub-domain non-reactivity to inner experience (β = 0.29 [0.06; −0.52], p = 0.01), PSQI (β = −1.93 [−3.43; −0.43], p = 0.01), SCI (β = 3.39 [0.66; 6.13], p = 0.02) and ISI (β = −3.50 [−5.86; −1.14], p = 0.004). These results confirm our hypothesis regarding the beneficial effects of our intervention on sleep quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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9 pages, 530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Not Getting Vaccinated? It Is a Matter of Problem-Solving Abilities and Socio-Cognitive Polarization

by Alice Cancer, Carola Salvi, Alessandro Antonietti and Paola Iannello

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031721 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 10103

Abstract

The anti-COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the United States provided a significant contribution to the control of the virus spread. Despite the recommendations by public health institutions, vaccine skepticism and hesitancy contributed to low vaccine uptake, thus possibly disrupting the management of preventable diseases [...] Read more.

The anti-COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the United States provided a significant contribution to the control of the virus spread. Despite the recommendations by public health institutions, vaccine skepticism and hesitancy contributed to low vaccine uptake, thus possibly disrupting the management of preventable diseases associated with the COVID-19 infection. The process that led individuals to accept COVID-19 vaccines required the ability to gather, synthesize, and weigh-up information within a novel, dynamically changing, complex, and ambiguous context. To deal with such complexity, we hypothesized that both the ability of reflection and flexible adaptation played a fundamental role. Based on previous research on cognitive predictors of vaccine refusal, we decided to investigate the combined role of two constructs, namely, problem-solving skills and socio-cognitive polarization (SCP), on vaccine acceptance and uptake. Two-hundred-seventy-seven US participants completed an online survey aimed to measure problem-solving ability, through a rebus puzzles task, and SCP, through a composite measure of absolutist thinking, political conservatism, and xenophobia. Mediation analyses indicated that SCP mediated the association between problem-solving ability and vaccine acceptance, so lower problem-solving abilities associated with higher polarization predicted vaccine rejection. Thus, our findings suggested that low problem-solving skills may represent a risk factor for COVID-19 vaccine refusal, with cognitive and social rigidity playing a crucial role in undermining the anti-COVID-19 vaccine uptake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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16 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Cancer Patients’ Mental Health during the Coronavirus Pandemic in Serbia

by Tamara D. Klikovac, Nikola Petrović and Đerđi Šarić

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021132 - 9 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1937

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of cancer patients in Serbia. Data were collected between April–May 2021 using an online questionnaire, which estimated depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of 221 cancer patients. [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of cancer patients in Serbia. Data were collected between April–May 2021 using an online questionnaire, which estimated depression, anxiety, and stress in a sample of 221 cancer patients. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Assessment Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess the cancer patients’ affective status. The T test of independent samples and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), as well as multiple linear regression analysis, have been used as well. The results showed that moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were present in 33.9%, 21.2%, and 26.7% of patients, respectively. Older patients and those who assessed their socioeconomic and health status as better were less anxious, depressed, and stressed. The study shows that the patients who have stated that medical help has been available significantly differ from those patients who have not had available medical help, meaning that they have shown lower scores on the scales of depression and stress. When it comes to the availability of medical help during the pandemic, statistically significant differences among patients on the scale of anxiety have not been proven. It has been determined that statistically important differences exist between patients who have needed psychological help and those who have not needed it when it comes to the results on all of the three subscales. The patients who have expressed the need for psychological help have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The patients who have not had available psychological help have higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress when compared to the patients who have had available psychological help. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

13 pages, 699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Long-COVID Experience Changed People’s Vaccine Hesitancy but Not Their Vaccination Fear

by Mirko Duradoni, Mustafa Can Gursesli, Letizia Materassi, Elena Serritella and Andrea Guazzini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14550; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114550 - 5 Nov 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2622

Abstract

Starting in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible, worldwide, for millions of deaths and patients with long-COVID syndrome. In an attempt to stop the spread of the virus, the blanket administration of COVID-19 vaccines proved to be the most effective measure, [...] Read more.

Starting in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been responsible, worldwide, for millions of deaths and patients with long-COVID syndrome. In an attempt to stop the spread of the virus, the blanket administration of COVID-19 vaccines proved to be the most effective measure, yet the existence and availability of functional vaccines did not and, still, do not ensure the willingness and intent of people to be vaccinated. This study assessed the similarities and differences in vaccine fears and vaccine hesitancy through between clusters of subjects: people that were not infected with COVID-19, people that had COVID but did not develop long-lasting symptoms, and people that were infected with COVID and developed long-COVID syndrome. From the sample of 1111 Italian people, it was found that individuals who experienced mild symptoms showed higher vaccine hesitancy (confidence, complacency, and collective responsibility) than those who did not contract COVID-19. People affected by long-COVID showed a lower overall hesitancy than individuals who had COVID-19 without incurring long-lasting symptoms and, thus, essentially resembled people who had no experience of COVID-19 infection in terms of the vaccine hesitancy scores. Vaccine fear remained unchanged across all three of the examined clusters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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20 pages, 2505 KiB

Open AccessArticle

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate—Reasons of Willingness and Reluctance of Students against SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination—An International Experience

by Ryszard Sitarz, Alicja Forma, Kaja Karakuła, Dariusz Juchnowicz, Jacek Baj, Jacek Bogucki, Joanna Rog, Michael L. Tee, Cherica A. Tee, Josefina T. Ly-Uson, Md. Saiful Islam, Md. Tajuddin Sikder, Ahmed Hashem El-Monshed, Ahmed Loutfy, Muhammad Fazal Hussain Qureshi, Munib Abbas, Shafaq Taseen, Mahira Lakhani, Cuiyan Wang, Xiaoyang Wan, Yilin Tan, Riyu Pan, Roger Ho, Saikarthik Jayakumar, Saraswathi Ilango, Senthil Kumar, Ángel A. Ruiz-Chow, Adriana Iturbide, David D. González-Mille, Linh Phuong Doan and Hanna Karakuła-Juchnowicz Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114012 - 27 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3588

Abstract

Despite the vaccine against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) being reported to be safe and effective, the unwillingness to vaccinate and doubts are still common. The aim of this international study was to assess the major reasons for the unwillingness [...] Read more.

Despite the vaccine against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) being reported to be safe and effective, the unwillingness to vaccinate and doubts are still common. The aim of this international study was to assess the major reasons for the unwillingness to vaccinate in a group of students from Poland (n = 1202), Bangladesh (n = 1586), India (n = 484), Mexico (n = 234), Egypt (n = 566), Philippines (n = 2076), Pakistan (n = 506), Vietnam (n = 98) and China (n = 503). We conducted an online cross-sectional study that aimed to assess (1) the percentage of vaccinated and unvaccinated students and (2) the reasons associated with willingness/unwillingness to the vaccine. The study included 7255 respondents from 9 countries with a mean age of 21.85 ± 3.66 years. Only 22.11% (n = 1604) of students were vaccinated. However, the majority (69.25%, n = 5025) expressed a willingness to be vaccinated. More willing to vaccinate were students in informal relationships who worked mentally, used psychological/psychiatric services before the pandemic, and studied medicine. There are cultural differences regarding the reasons associated with the unwillingness to vaccinate, but some ‘universal’ might be distinguished that apply to the whole group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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13 pages, 794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Relationship between Death Anxiety and Well-Being of Frontline Medical Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Na Zhao, Beikun Liu and Yiheng Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013430 - 18 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2610

Abstract

To examine the well-being of medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a survey of 705 medical staff who were involved in anti-epidemic work in China from 20 February to 16 March 2020. The findings of the present study showed a “psychological [...] Read more.

To examine the well-being of medical staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted a survey of 705 medical staff who were involved in anti-epidemic work in China from 20 February to 16 March 2020. The findings of the present study showed a “psychological typhoon eye” effect in which the medical staff in areas with a high contagion rate showed a significantly lower level of death anxiety than those in low-contagion regions. We also found a significant negative relationship between death anxiety and hedonic well-being, but there was no relationship between death anxiety and eudaimonic well-being. Moreover, the results revealed that a narcissistic personality moderates the relationships between death anxiety and the two types of well-being. For those who had higher narcissistic personality scores, death anxiety had no negative effect on their well-being. The findings of the present study can help us to better understand the life profiles of medical staff and can also provide some practical implications for understanding the life conditions of medical staff when facing a great health crisis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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20 pages, 419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

So Far, So Close: Identification with Proximal and Distal Groups as a Resource in Dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Anna Rita Graziani, Lucia Botindari, Michela Menegatti and Silvia Moscatelli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11231; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811231 - 7 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1815

Abstract

A robust body of research has highlighted the fundamental role of social identifications in dealing with emergencies and in predicting commitment behaviors. We report the results of two studies carried out in Italy to assess whether the subjective sense of belonging to meaningful [...] Read more.

A robust body of research has highlighted the fundamental role of social identifications in dealing with emergencies and in predicting commitment behaviors. We report the results of two studies carried out in Italy to assess whether the subjective sense of belonging to meaningful proximal and distal social groups affected people’s ability to cope with the pandemic crisis. Study 1 (N = 846) shows that different identifications with proximal (i.e., family and friends) and distal social groups (i.e., nation, European, and humankind) may act as buffers for individuals by reducing negative emotions and negative expectations about the future after COVID-19 and by increasing people’s intentions to adhere to containment measures and to be involved in prosocial actions. Study 2 (N = 350) highlights the role of European identification in predicting propensities for using the tracing app and getting vaccinated. These results confirm the benefits of various types of identification (proximal vs. distant) in helping individuals deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

14 pages, 403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Affecting Perceived Work Environment, Wellbeing, and Coping Styles: A Comparison between Physicians and Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Chiara Costa, Michele Teodoro, Annalisa De Vita, Federica Giambò, Carmela Mento, Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello, Angela Alibrandi, Sebastiano Italia and Concettina Fenga

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 11104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191711104 - 5 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2487

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a current emergency worldwide. All the consequent changes in sanitary systems have negatively affected the work–life balance. In particular, healthcare workers suffered from anxiety, stress, and depression, mostly nurses compared to physicians. To handle this situation, the adoption of [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a current emergency worldwide. All the consequent changes in sanitary systems have negatively affected the work–life balance. In particular, healthcare workers suffered from anxiety, stress, and depression, mostly nurses compared to physicians. To handle this situation, the adoption of different coping strategies has played a strategic role in psychophysical wellbeing. Our main goal is to the assess the perception of work environment and wellbeing (EQ-5D questionnaire), as well as to analyze possible differences in coping styles between physicians and nurses (brief COPE questionnaire). The arising differences were compared between the two groups, and associations with variables were assessed through a bivariate correlation analysis. This cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2020 through an online survey. A total of 172 respondents (117 physicians and 55 nurses), of which 102 were women and 70 were men, accepted to join the study. Our results showed that physicians referred a higher perception of wellbeing, and nurses reported an increased perception of work activity and efficiency, along with an unchanged economic status. The most frequently adopted coping strategies were Active and Planning (self-sufficient coping). Physicians showed a greater tendency to use avoidant coping strategies. More-experienced nurses and physicians were less prone to adopt socially supported coping strategies, emphasizing the need for novel organizational measures at the social dimension that favored sharing and interaction between peers. Future research should aim to further investigate the relationship between the perception of work environment and coping strategies in order to identify risk factors to be prevented by promoting adequate measures at an organizational level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

12 pages, 349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Amaya Perez-Brumer, Rebecca Balasa, Aarti Doshi, Jessica Brogdon, Thuy Doan and Catherine E. Oldenburg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10264; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610264 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3140

Abstract

While effective for slowing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, public health measures, such as physical distancing and stay-at-home orders, have significantly shifted the way people interact and maintain social connections. To better understand how people sought social and psychological support amid the pandemic, we [...] Read more.

While effective for slowing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, public health measures, such as physical distancing and stay-at-home orders, have significantly shifted the way people interact and maintain social connections. To better understand how people sought social and psychological support amid the pandemic, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative evaluation of participants enrolled in a COVID-19 treatment trial (N = 30). All participants from the parent trial who consented to being contacted for future research studies were recruited electronically via email, and first-round virtual interviews were conducted between December 2020 and March 2021. Participants who participated in first-round interviews were contacted again, and follow-up interviews were conducted in January–February 2022. The results reported significant shifts in how participants connected to social support, including changes from physical to virtual modalities, and using different social networks for distinct purposes (i.e., Reddit/Facebook for information, WhatsApp for community connection). While having COVID-19, profound loneliness during isolation was described; yet, to mitigate effects, virtual support (i.e., emotional, knowledge-seeking) as well as in-person material support (e.g., groceries, snow-shoveling), were key. Public health efforts are needed to develop interventions that will improve the narratives about mental health challenges related to COVID-19 isolation, and to provide opportunities to share challenges in a supportive manner among social networks. Supporting social cohesion, despite the everchanging nature of COVID-19, will necessitate innovative multimodal strategies that learn from lived experiences across various stages of the pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

11 pages, 753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Positivity and Parochial Altruism on Protective Behaviours during the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy

by Claudio Singh Solorzano, Maria Serena Panasiti, Alessandra Di Pucchio and Caterina Grano

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10153; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610153 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1958

Abstract

Implementation of COVID-19 protective behaviours, such as social distancing or frequent hand washing during the lockdown, was critical to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the effect of positivity and parochial altruism on implementing COVID-19 health-protective [...] Read more.

Implementation of COVID-19 protective behaviours, such as social distancing or frequent hand washing during the lockdown, was critical to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the effect of positivity and parochial altruism on implementing COVID-19 health-protective behaviours during the Italian lockdown. A sample of 460 participants completed an online questionnaire that included demographic measures, Positivity Scale and COVID-19 measures of health-protective behaviours. To measure parochial altruism, we used a hypothetical dictator game played with others who could vary in their social distance from the participants. Results showed that participants in the hypothetical game gave more money to parents and siblings than to best friends, cousins, neighbours, and strangers. Furthermore, both positivity and parochial altruism (more altruism toward close vs. distant people) were positively associated with implementing hygiene behaviours but not with social distancing. Finally, mediation analysis showed that increases in parochial altruism mediated the effect of positivity on hygiene behaviour. These findings extend knowledge about the factors beyond the implementation of COVID-19 health-protective behaviours during a lockdown situation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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19 pages, 814 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates: Attitudes and Effects on Holdouts in a Large Australian University Population

by Katie Attwell, Leah Roberts and Julie Ji

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610130 - 16 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2773

Abstract

Many governments and institutions mandated COVID-19 vaccines. In late 2021, we sought to ascertain the perspectives of staff and students from The University of Western Australia about the State or the University mandating COVID-19 vaccines. The survey captured vaccination status and intentions along [...] Read more.

Many governments and institutions mandated COVID-19 vaccines. In late 2021, we sought to ascertain the perspectives of staff and students from The University of Western Australia about the State or the University mandating COVID-19 vaccines. The survey captured vaccination status and intentions along with attitudes towards mandates and potential types of exemptions with 2878 valid responses which were quantitatively analysed and 2727 which were qualitatively analysed. The study found generally high levels of vaccination or intent, and strong support for mandates, underpinned by beliefs that vaccination is a moral duty and that mandates make campus feel safer. These sentiments were not more prevalent amongst individuals with comorbidities; often healthy individuals supported mandates to reduce their risk of transmitting disease to vulnerable family members. Individuals with comorbidities were, however, more supportive of excluding the unvaccinated from campus. Most opponents were unvaccinated, and many indicated that mandate policies would backfire, making them less likely to vaccinate. Despite the strong overall support, 41% of respondents did not want to see non-compliant staff or students lose their positions, and only 35% actively sought this. Institutions or governments introducing mandates should emphasise community concerns about catching COVID-19 and becoming sick or transmitting the disease to vulnerable loved ones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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16 pages, 816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life among Online Responders in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Study Covering Four Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Mateusz Babicki, Bogna Bogudzińska, Krzysztof Kowalski and Agnieszka Mastalerz-Migas

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9934; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169934 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2325

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the population. This study aims to assess the prevalence of subjective depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as assess the quality of life in different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic based on an [...] Read more.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of the population. This study aims to assess the prevalence of subjective depressive and anxiety symptoms as well as assess the quality of life in different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic based on an online survey. Methods: The study was conducted based on an original and anonymous questionnaire, consisting of a section assessing sociodemographic status and psychometric tools: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) and Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). A total of 6739 people participated in the survey, with the largest number from the first wave of the pandemic (2467—36.6%), followed by 1627 (24.1%) for the second wave, 1696 (25.2%) for wave three and 949 (14.1%) for wave four. The mean age of the study group was 28.19 ± 9.94. Results: There was an initial, gradual increase in depressive and anxiety symptoms over the three waves. There were no significant differences in the quality-of-life scores, except for the second and third waves (−0.0846; p = 0.013. It was found that women, residents of big cities and people with psychiatric history showed higher BDI and GAD-7 scores. Conclusions: The impact of the pandemic on mental health was not homogeneous, with the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic having more of an impact compared to the fourth wave. Female respondents’ sex, history of mental disease and reduced earning capacity exacerbated psychiatric symptoms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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14 pages, 1348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Awareness and Sentiment toward COVID-19 Vaccination in South Korea: Findings from Big Data Analytics

by Yeon-Jun Choi, Julak Lee and Seung Yeop Paek

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9914; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169914 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2313

Abstract

Despite a worldwide campaign to promote vaccination, South Korea is facing difficulties in increasing its vaccination rate due to negative perceptions of the vaccines and vaccination policies. This study investigated South Koreans’ awareness of and sentiments toward vaccination. Particularly, this study explored how [...] Read more.

Despite a worldwide campaign to promote vaccination, South Korea is facing difficulties in increasing its vaccination rate due to negative perceptions of the vaccines and vaccination policies. This study investigated South Koreans’ awareness of and sentiments toward vaccination. Particularly, this study explored how public opinions have developed over time, and compared them to those of other nations. We used Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen, and AstraZeneca as keywords on Naver, Daum, Google, and Twitter to collect data on public awareness and sentiments toward the vaccines and the government’s vaccination policies. The results showed that South Koreans’ sentiments on vaccination changed from neutral to negative to positive over the past two years. In particular, public sentiments turned positive due to South Koreans’ hopeful expectations and a high vaccination rate. Overall, the attitudes and sentiments toward vaccination in South Korea were similar to those of other nations. The conspiracy theories surrounding the vaccines had a significant effect on the negative opinions in other nations, but had little impact on South Korea. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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13 pages, 366 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Religiosity and COVID-19: Impact on Use of Remote Worship and Changes in Self-Reported Social Support

by Maghboeba Mosavel, Ariel Hoadley, Aderonke A. Akinkugbe, Dina T. Garcia and Sarah Bauerle Bass

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9891; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169891 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1660

Abstract

Objective: This study examines associations between changes in the use of remote worship services and changes in the types of social support among religious adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional, web survey data (n = 461; 15 [...] Read more.

Objective: This study examines associations between changes in the use of remote worship services and changes in the types of social support among religious adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional, web survey data (n = 461; 15 May to 6 July 2020) were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multinomial logistic regression models calculated unadjusted odds of increases and decreases of three types of perceived social support from before to during COVID-19 based on remote worship use. Results: Adults who initiated use of remote worship had lower odds of gaining social support for personal problems (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.79) and greater odds of reporting less ease of getting practical help from neighbors (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.02) compared to adults who never used or stopped using remote worship. Adults who continued using remote worship services were more likely to report less ease of getting practical help from their neighbors (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.17, 4.25) and decreased interest and concern felt from other people (OR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.24, 5.51) than adults who never used or stopped using remote worship. Conclusions: Adults who initiated and continued using remote worship during the COVID-19 pandemic had poorer perceived social support outcomes relative to adults who never used or stopped using remote services. Despite continued engagement with their religious communities, adults participating in worship remotely may have had residual personal, emotional, and instrumental social support needs that remote worship did not mitigate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

13 pages, 374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anxiety, Stress Coping Styles and Hope for Success among Graduate Students and High School Graduates during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role of Remote Learning

by Sylwia Michałowska, Karolina Rachubińska and Krystian Konieczny

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9692; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159692 - 6 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2599

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the area of education, in terms of both teaching and learning effectiveness. The aim of the study was to compare groups of high school graduates and graduate students. The Coping Inventory in Stressful Situations (CISS), State and [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the area of education, in terms of both teaching and learning effectiveness. The aim of the study was to compare groups of high school graduates and graduate students. The Coping Inventory in Stressful Situations (CISS), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Hope for Success Questionnaire (KNS), and our own questionnaire were used in the study. The results of the research show that the group of high school graduates, compared to the graduate students, was characterized by a higher level of anxiety, a style focused on emotions and a lower level of hope for success. People who passed the exam in the online form were characterized by a higher level of anxiety compared to the respondents who passed the exam in the stationary form. According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that the styles of coping and the level of hope for success may be both protective and risk factors related to the level of anxiety during distance learning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

13 pages, 7577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Expectations about the “Natural Order of Things” and Conspiracy Beliefs about COVID-19

by Mauro Giacomantonio, Valerio Pellegrini, Valeria De Cristofaro, Maurizio Brasini and Francesco Mancini

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9499; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159499 - 2 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1811

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an event that unsettled the social and economic life of many people. When individuals are faced with shocking events, they may need to find plausible explanations for such events to restore control and make sense of reality. The adoption [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an event that unsettled the social and economic life of many people. When individuals are faced with shocking events, they may need to find plausible explanations for such events to restore control and make sense of reality. The adoption of conspiracy beliefs may represent a functional strategy for this purpose. The present study investigated whether the endorsement of conspiracy beliefs may be associated with the degree to which an upsetting event (i.e., the COVID-19 pandemic) is perceived as incoherent with individuals’ general set of expectations about the world functioning (i.e., the natural order of things). Analyzing data from a community sample of 565 Italian participants, a path analysis model highlighted a mediation pattern where the natural order of things was negatively related to the adoption of conspiracy beliefs and, thus, was indirectly and positively related to support for the norms aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19, feelings of guilt about neglecting such norms, and intentions to be compliant with COVID-19 vaccination. Moreover, the natural order of things was indirectly and negatively related to attitudes focused on economic issues rather than public health and to negative attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccines through reduced beliefs in conspiracies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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17 pages, 6755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bidirectional Causality between Spreading COVID-19 and Individual Mobilisation with Consumption Motives across Prefectural Borders in Japan

by Yasuhiro Kawano, Ryusuke Matsumoto, Eishi Motomura, Takashi Shiroyama and Motohiro Okada

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9070; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159070 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1647

Abstract

A combination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions as well as social restrictions has been recommended to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, social contact surveys play an essential role as the basis for more effective measures. This study attempts to [...] Read more.

A combination of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions as well as social restrictions has been recommended to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, social contact surveys play an essential role as the basis for more effective measures. This study attempts to explore the fundamental basis of the expansion of COVID-19. Temporal bidirectional causalities between the numbers of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases (NCCC) and individual mobilisations with consumption motives across prefecture borders in three metropolitan regions in Japan were analysed using vector autoregression models. Mobilisation with consumption in pubs from Kanto to Tokai contributed to the spread of COVID-19 in both regions. Meanwhile, causal mobilisation with consumption motives in Kansai also contributed to the expansion of COVID-19; however, the pattern was dependent on the industrial characteristics of each prefecture in Kansai. Furthermore, the number of pub visitors in Kanto immediately decreased when NCCC increased in Kanto. In contrast, the causal mobilisations for the expansion of COVID-19 in the Tokai and Kansai regions were unaffected by the increasing NCCC. These findings partially proved the validity of the conventional governmental measures to suppress pub visitors across prefectural borders. Nevertheless, the individual causal mobilisations with consumption motives that contributed to the increasing COVID-19 cases are not identical nationwide, and thus, regional characteristics should be considered when devising preventive strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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9 pages, 332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 Fear, Health Behaviors, and Subjective Health Status of Call Center Workers

by Hye-Ryoung Kim and Hwa-Mi Yang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9005; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159005 - 24 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2206

Abstract

Background: Fear may be critical in explaining individual and social behaviors. This study investigates the association between COVID-19 fear and health behavior and subjective health status changes of call center workers in the COVID-19 era. Methods: This cross-sectional study uses an online survey [...] Read more.

Background: Fear may be critical in explaining individual and social behaviors. This study investigates the association between COVID-19 fear and health behavior and subjective health status changes of call center workers in the COVID-19 era. Methods: This cross-sectional study uses an online survey with 339 call center workers. We measured COVID-19 fear, health behaviors, and subjective health, and analyzed with the Macnemar or paired t-test, ANOVA or χ² test, Scheffe’s test, and multiple linear regression. Results: COVID-19 fear was associated with poor stress management, shorter sleep hours, and binge eating. Moreover, COVID-19 fear and time pressure at work were negatively associated with subjective health status. Conclusion: Strengthening the support system for call center workers to manage the COVID-19 fear might be essential. Moreover, there is a need to improve dense environments and reduce time pressure by ensuring adequate rest time and increasing physical activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

15 pages, 379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychological Experiences of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) during and after Hospitalization: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study

by Yuk-Chiu Yip, Ka-Huen Yip and Wai-King Tsui

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8742; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148742 - 18 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2079

Abstract

During an infectious disease pandemic, patients may experience various psychological issues. Few studies have focused on survivors’ experiences in Hong Kong. This study aimed to assess the psychological impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on survivors during admission to and discharge from COVID-19 [...] Read more.

During an infectious disease pandemic, patients may experience various psychological issues. Few studies have focused on survivors’ experiences in Hong Kong. This study aimed to assess the psychological impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on survivors during admission to and discharge from COVID-19 wards using a descriptive phenomenological design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 participants aged 30–77 years recently discharged from an isolation ward at an acute care facility and transferred to a community center specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation. Sampling was performed from 1 March 2022 to 3 April 2022. Semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim; data analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s approach. The patients experienced two exclusive psychological phases during and after admission. The analysis of the patients’ experiences revealed three themes: (i) navigating uncertainties with mixed feelings and emotions during admission, (ii) adjusting to normal daily life after discharge, and (iii) self-growth after discharge. Our findings may provide empirical evidence for formulating pre-emptive strategies to mitigate the long-term psychological impacts of COVID-19. This investigation is timely and internationally relevant, and policymakers can use these findings to make informed decisions when developing guidelines for structuring the care of patients with COVID-19 during and after hospitalization. Based on our findings, we recommended that psychological support, particularly the provision of time to address patients’ concerns, may be integrated into the care of patients with COVID-19. Additionally, the structure of care may extend beyond the biomedical aspects of the illness to encompass the emotional and social dimension of the patients. To reduce stigmatization, we advise that public health authorities release clear information timely to clarify the misconceptions of the local community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

15 pages, 884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Men and Women as Differential Social Barometers: Gender Effects of Perceived Friend Support on the Neuroticism-Loneliness-Well-Being Relationship in a Younger Adult Population

by Julie M. Turner-Cobb, Emily Arden-Close, Emma Portch and Liam Wignall

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137986 - 29 Jun 2022

Viewed by 2244

Abstract

Loneliness and social isolation are well known to have detrimental effects on mental and physical health, and the perception of social support is frequently viewed as a protective factor. Yet, the beneficial effect varies when perceived support is considered with respect to gender [...] Read more.

Loneliness and social isolation are well known to have detrimental effects on mental and physical health, and the perception of social support is frequently viewed as a protective factor. Yet, the beneficial effect varies when perceived support is considered with respect to gender and personality. We examined the mechanism of loneliness as a mediator of personality on health and moderation of this relationship by perceived social support and gender. Five hundred and thirty young adults (325 women) aged 18–32 years (Mage = 25.42, SD = 4.13) provided self-report assessments of personality, loneliness, perceived social support, general health and psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being. Using a series of regression-based mediation and moderated mediation models, we found higher scores on extraversion to be associated with lower loneliness and better general health and well-being; higher neuroticism with greater loneliness and poorer general health. Being male and perceiving greater friend support moderated the neuroticism–loneliness–well-being relationship. Men higher on neuroticism were less able to benefit from lower loneliness when the perception of support from friends was greater, yet were less sensitive to the negative impact on the well-being of perceiving low levels of friend support. Effects suggest important gender differences with the potential to inform health interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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15 pages, 870 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greater Emotional Distress Due to Social Distancing and Greater Symptom Severity during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Individuals with Bipolar Disorder: A Multicenter Study in Austria, Germany, and Denmark

by Elena M. D. Schönthaler, Nina Dalkner, Michaela Ratzenhofer, Eva Fleischmann, Frederike T. Fellendorf, Susanne A. Bengesser, Armin Birner, Alexander Maget, Melanie Lenger, Martina Platzer, Robert Queissner, Adelina Tmava-Berisha, Christina Berndt, Julia Martini, Michael Bauer, Jon Dyg Sperling, Maj Vinberg and Eva Z. Reininghaus

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7626; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137626 - 22 Jun 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1892

Abstract

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health of individuals with bipolar disorders (BD) is potentially more vulnerable, especially regarding COVID-19-related regulations and associated symptomatic changes. A multicentric online study was conducted in Austria, Germany, and Denmark during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, data from 494 [...] Read more.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health of individuals with bipolar disorders (BD) is potentially more vulnerable, especially regarding COVID-19-related regulations and associated symptomatic changes. A multicentric online study was conducted in Austria, Germany, and Denmark during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, data from 494 participants were collected (203 individuals with BD, 291 healthy controls (HC)). Participants filled out questionnaires surveying emotional distress due to social distancing, fear of COVID-19, and the Brief Symptom Inventory-18 to assess symptom severity at four points of measurement between 2020 and 2021. General linear mixed models were calculated to determine the difference between the groups in these pandemic specific factors. Individuals with BD reported higher distress due to social distancing than HC, independently of measurement times. Fear of COVID-19 did not differ between groups; however, it was elevated in times of higher infection and mortality due to COVID-19. Individuals with BD reported higher psychiatric symptom severity than HC; however, symptom severity decreased throughout the measured time in the pandemic. Overall, individuals with BD experienced more distress due to the COVID-19 situation than HC. A supportive mental health system is thus recommended to ensure enhanced care, especially in times of strict COVID-19-related regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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11 pages, 694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Breeds Conspiracy Theories in COVID-19? The Role of Risk Perception in the Belief in COVID-19 Conspiracy

by Zhaoxie Zeng, Yi Ding, Yue Zhang and Yongyu Guo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19095396 - 28 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

Conspiracy theories often emerge during public health crises, and can provide some explanation for the causes behind the crises. However, the prevalence of conspiracy theories also poses a serious threat to public health order and hinders the implementation of disease prevention and control [...] Read more.

Conspiracy theories often emerge during public health crises, and can provide some explanation for the causes behind the crises. However, the prevalence of conspiracy theories also poses a serious threat to public health order and hinders the implementation of disease prevention and control measures. No studies have examined the role of multiple risk perceptions in the formation of beliefs in conspiracy theories from a cognitive perspective in the context of the epidemic. In this cross-sectional study, participants filled in an online survey in order to investigate the relationship between epidemic severity and beliefs in conspiracy theories and the mediating role of risk perception in this relationship. The results showed that COVID-19 epidemic severity positively predicted beliefs in both in- and out-group conspiracy theories. Risk perception mediated the positive relationship between COVID-19 epidemic severity and belief in in-group conspiracy theories. These results suggest that in a major public health crisis event: (1) residents at the epicenter may be more prone to believing in both in- and out-group conspiracy theories; and (2) beliefs in in- and out-group conspiracy theories may have different psychological mechanisms. Therefore, conspiracy theories about public health incidents, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, should be classified and treated by policy stakeholders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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11 pages, 335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lockdown Efficacy in Controlling the Spread of COVID-19 May Be Waning Due to Decline in Public Compliance, Especially among Unvaccinated Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study in Israel

by Moran Bodas, Bruria Adini, Eli Jaffe, Arielle Kaim and Kobi Peleg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 4943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19094943 - 19 Apr 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2308

Abstract

Public compliance is paramount for the success of public health measures and decision making, such as lockdowns, in controlling the spread of diseases. The aim of this population-based cross-sectional study was to investigate the level of reported compliance with home isolation among the [...] Read more.

Public compliance is paramount for the success of public health measures and decision making, such as lockdowns, in controlling the spread of diseases. The aim of this population-based cross-sectional study was to investigate the level of reported compliance with home isolation among the adult Israeli population (n = 940) during the first three national lockdowns, compliance with a potential fourth national lockdown if enacted, risk perception of COVID-19, vaccination uptake status, perceived effectiveness of the vaccine, and compliance with additional protective health behaviors (e.g., mask wearing and social distancing). Following widespread compliance with initial lockdowns (90.7% reported “high” or “very high” compliance), as few as 60.1% of participants indicated that they would comply with a fourth lockdown if the government decides to enact it. Non-vaccinated individuals reported the lowest levels of compliance with previous lockdowns, compared to participants who received one or two vaccines and participants vaccinated with three doses. Adjusted for gender and age, the results suggest that fearing being infected with COVID-19, perceiving the vaccine to be effective, and reporting being compliant with other health behaviors—such as mask wearing and maintaining social distance from others—are predictors of lockdown compliance. Considering the effect of pandemic lockdown fatigue, there is little support for additional lockdowns among the Israeli public, unless dramatic changes occur in the characteristics of the COVID-19 pandemic. Compliance with lockdowns is reduced among individuals who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, therefore rendering this non-pharmaceutical intervention even less effective in reducing the spread of the disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

15 pages, 940 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Implementation of a Psychiatric Consultation for Healthcare Workers during First Wave of COVID-19 Outbreak

by Lamyae Benzakour, Gérard Langlois, Verena Marini, Alexandra Groz, Chiara Chiabotto, Diana Apetrei, Bruno Corneau and Guido Bondolfi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4780; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084780 - 14 Apr 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2574

Abstract

Background: Prevention and management strategies of mental suffering in healthcare workers appeared as important challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to: (1) show how potential psychiatric disorders for healthcare workers (HCW) during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak were identified; [...] Read more.

Background: Prevention and management strategies of mental suffering in healthcare workers appeared as important challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article aims to: (1) show how potential psychiatric disorders for healthcare workers (HCW) during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak were identified; (2) present an activity report of this consultation; and (3) analyze and learn from this experience for the future. Methods: We performed a retrospective quantitative analysis of socio-demographic and clinical data, in addition to psychiatric scales scores for the main potential psychiatric risks (PDI, PDEQ, PCL-5, HADS, MBI-HSS) and post-hoc qualitative analysis of written interviews. Results: Twenty-five healthcare workers consulted between 19 March 2020 and 12 June 2020. We found 78.57% presented high peritraumatic dissociation and peritraumatic distress, 68.75% had severe anxiety symptoms, and 31.25% had severe depression symptoms. Concerning burnout, we found that 23.53% had a high level of emotional exhaustion. In the qualitative analysis of the written interview, we found a direct link between stress and the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily concerning traumatic stressors, and secondarily with work-related stress. Conclusions: Early detection of traumatic reactions, valorization of individual effort, and limitations on work overload appear like potential key preventive measures to prevent psychiatric complications for healthcare workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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18 pages, 1228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Implicit Attitudes toward Vaccination Affect Vaccine Hesitancy and Behaviour: Developing and Validating the V-IRAP

by Luca Simione, Monia Vagni, Tiziana Maiorano, Valeria Giostra and Daniela Pajardi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4205; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074205 - 1 Apr 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2308

Abstract

Vaccination is one of the most important ways of fighting infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. However, vaccine hesitancy and refusal can reduce adherence to vaccination campaigns, and therefore undermine their effectiveness. Although the scientific community has made great efforts to understand the psychological [...] Read more.

Vaccination is one of the most important ways of fighting infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. However, vaccine hesitancy and refusal can reduce adherence to vaccination campaigns, and therefore undermine their effectiveness. Although the scientific community has made great efforts to understand the psychological causes of vaccine hesitancy, studies on vaccine intention have usually relied on traditional detection techniques, such as questionnaires. Probing these constructs explicitly could be problematic due to defense mechanisms or social desirability. Thus, a measure capable of detecting implicit attitudes towards vaccination is needed. To achieve this aim, we designed and validated a new test called the Vaccine-IRAP, or V-IRAP, which is a modified version of the original Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure, or IRAP, task. The V-IRAP allows the unspoken reasons behind vaccine hesitancy to be investigated, and is able to distinguish between positive and negative beliefs on vaccination. The test was assessed in a sample of 151 participants. The V-IRAP showed good internal reliability and convergent validity, with meaningful correlational patterns with explicit measures. Moreover, it revealed incremental validity over such explicit measures. Lastly, the V-IRAP was able to shed light on the implicit attitudes involved in vaccine refusal, revealing negative attitudes relative to vaccine-related risks in non-vaccinated participants. Overall, these results support V-IRAP as a sensitive and reliable tool that could be used in future studies on implicit attitudes toward vaccination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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7 pages, 1030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Smartphone-Based Ecological Momentary Assessment of Coping with Loneliness amid COVID-19 in Germany

by Luisa Wegner, Matthias N. Haucke, Stephan Heinzel and Shuyan Liu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3946; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073946 - 26 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2984

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic may have caused people to feel isolated, left out, and in need of companionship. Effective strategies to cope with such unrelenting feelings of loneliness are needed. In times of COVID-19, we conducted a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study with [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have caused people to feel isolated, left out, and in need of companionship. Effective strategies to cope with such unrelenting feelings of loneliness are needed. In times of COVID-19, we conducted a smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study with 280 lonely participants in Germany over 7 months, where a long and hard second national lockdown was in place. Each participant reported their daily loneliness and coping strategies for loneliness once in the evening for 7 consecutive days. We found that managing emotions and social relationships were associated with decreased feelings of loneliness, while using a problem-focused coping strategy was associated with increased feelings of loneliness amid COVID-19. Interestingly, managing emotions was particularly effective for easing loneliness during the second lockdown. Females tend to use more emotion-focused coping strategies to overcome their loneliness compared to males. Our study highlights the importance of managing emotions against loneliness throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Designing technology that provides emotional support to people may be one of the keys to easing loneliness and promoting well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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12 pages, 663 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Through the Second Wave: Analysis of the Psychological and Perceptive Changes in the Italian Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Andrea Guazzini, Andrea Pesce, Lorena Marotta and Mirko Duradoni

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1635; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031635 - 31 Jan 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2989

Abstract

More than a year has passed since “patient 0” was found and COVID-19 is now an established reality that a lot of people have had to accept and coexist with. In Italy, the pandemic hit in “waves”, but the studies assessing the longitudinal [...] Read more.

More than a year has passed since “patient 0” was found and COVID-19 is now an established reality that a lot of people have had to accept and coexist with. In Italy, the pandemic hit in “waves”, but the studies assessing the longitudinal impact of the pandemic in the general population are not many. In this paper, we compared data collected during the first wave with data gathered during the second one, so that we can provide insights about the Italian population’s psychological adaptation to the pandemic also by comparing them with pre-pandemic normative scores. From our results, it seemed that people were seeking a compromise: indeed, despite the still-relevant risk perception, people apparently “learned” how to deal with the pandemic as indicated by an increase in self-efficacy and a more internal locus of control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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14 pages, 1053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk-Perception Change Associated with COVID-19 Vaccine’s Side Effects: The Role of Individual Differences

by Laura Colautti, Alice Cancer, Sara Magenes, Alessandro Antonietti and Paola Iannello

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031189 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3182

Abstract

The COVID-19 vaccine appears to be a crucial requirement to fight the pandemic. However, a part of the population possesses negative attitudes towards the vaccine. The spread of conspiracy theories and contradictory information about the pandemic have altered the population’s perception of risk. [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 vaccine appears to be a crucial requirement to fight the pandemic. However, a part of the population possesses negative attitudes towards the vaccine. The spread of conspiracy theories and contradictory information about the pandemic have altered the population’s perception of risk. The risk-perception of the vaccine’s side effects may be affected by individual differences. The complex relationship between risk-perception and individual differences is relevant when people have to make decisions based on ambiguous and constantly changing information, as in the early phases of the Italian vaccination campaign. The present study aimed at measuring the effect of individual differences in risk-perception associated with the COVID-19 vaccine’s side effects in a context characterized by information ambiguity. An online survey was conducted to classify a sample of Italian pro-vaccine people into cognitive/behavioral style groups. Furthermore, changes in vaccine risk-perception after inconsistent communications regarding the vaccine’s side effects were compared between groups. The results showed that “analytical” individuals did not change their perception regarding the probability of vaccine side effects but changed their perception regarding the severity of side effects; “open” and “polarized” individuals neither changed their perception regarding the probability nor of the severity of side effects, showing a different kind of information processing, which could interfere with an informed decision-making process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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Review

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17 pages, 500 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Trust in COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance: Considerations from a Systematic Review

by Alessandro Sapienza and Rino Falcone

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010665 - 30 Dec 2022

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 2854

Abstract

The goal of this research was to provide an overview of the role of trust in determining COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Trust proved to be a key issue in all the strategic phases of the pandemic, a decisive element for the success of the [...] Read more.

The goal of this research was to provide an overview of the role of trust in determining COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Trust proved to be a key issue in all the strategic phases of the pandemic, a decisive element for the success of the worldwide vaccination campaign. By introducing a comprehensive systematic review of the state-of-the-art (N = 43), we intend to shed light on the various forms of trust that have been considered and how these relate to citizens’ vaccine acceptance. The analysis shows that trust has been used extensively, with particular reference to the COVID-19 vaccine, governments, manufacturers, healthcare systems, and science. A more in-depth analysis has also allowed us to evaluate the role that these factors have had and the social phenomena in which they have been decisive. Most notably, we proved that, in the different contributions, trust in the COVID-19 vaccine has a strong correlation with vaccine acceptance (R = 0.78, p < 0.01). Overall, vaccine acceptance emerges as a complex phenomenon that needs to be understood through the strictly interlaced relations of trust in the various factors coming into play. Besides clarifying what happened in previous years, the considerations included in this work also represent an important and useful interpretative framework to help public institutions and the healthcare system in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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Other

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20 pages, 733 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19 Pandemic Period in the European Population: An Institutional Challenge

by Nicola Di Fazio, Donato Morena, Giuseppe Delogu, Gianpietro Volonnino, Federico Manetti, Martina Padovano, Matteo Scopetti, Paola Frati and Vittorio Fineschi

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9347; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159347 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 4561

Abstract

The worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for an infectious pandemic, with repercussions on socio-economic aspects and on the physical and mental health of the general population. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the data belonging to the European framework, analyzing [...] Read more.

The worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been responsible for an infectious pandemic, with repercussions on socio-economic aspects and on the physical and mental health of the general population. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate the data belonging to the European framework, analyzing the population by age group. Original articles and reviews on the state of mental health of the general European population have been researched starting from 2021. Initially, a total of 1764 studies were found, among which a total of 75 were selected. Youth were the age group most affected by pandemic consequences on mental health, with emotional and behavioral alterations observed from a third to more than a half of children and adolescents examined. Among both adolescents and adults, the female gender had a higher prevalence of psychopathological symptoms. The main risk factors were poor social support, economic difficulties, and, in particular, unemployment or job changes. Additional individual risk factors were the perception of loneliness, the presence of pre-pandemic mental illness/distress, and some personality traits, such as neuroticism, impulsiveness, and the use of maladaptive coping strategies. Unexpectedly, the elderly maintained good resilience towards change, even if a stress factor was represented by the feeling of loneliness and poor social contact. As regards suicidal behaviors, among adolescents, there was an increase in attempts of 25%, with a greater risk for the female gender. This risk increased also among adults, in association with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and poor socio-environmental conditions. In conclusion, some population groups were found to be at greater risk of psychological burden during pandemic waves, thus representing priority targets for socio-health interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Psychological Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Containment Measures, and Vaccination: From Experimental Data to Practice)

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