The psychological impact of threat and lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic: exacerbating factors and mitigating actions

Author:

van Mulukom Valerie12ORCID,Muzzulini Barbara2ORCID,Rutjens Bastiaan T3ORCID,van Lissa Caspar J4ORCID,Farias Miguel1ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Centre for Trust, Peace, and Social Relations, Coventry University, UK

2. Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, UK

3. Psychology Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

4. Department of Methodology & Statistics, Utrecht University, Netherlands

Abstract

Abstract In spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. The threat the pandemic poses as well as associated lockdown measures created challenging times for many. This study aimed to investigate the individual and social factors associated with low mental health, particularly perceived threat and lockdown measures, and factors associated with psychological well-being, particularly sense of control. An online survey was completed by participants (N = 8,229) recruited from 79 countries. In line with pre-registered hypotheses, participants showed elevated levels of anxiety and depression worldwide. This poor mental health was predicted by perceived threat. The effect of threat on depression was further moderated by social isolation, but there was no effect of sense of control. Sense of control was low overall, and was predicted negatively by maladaptive coping, but positively by adaptive coping and the perception that the government is dealing with the outbreak. Social isolation increased with quarantine duration, but was mitigated by frequent communication with close ones. Engaging in individual actions to avoid contracting the virus was associated with higher anxiety, except when done professionally. We suggest that early lockdown of the pandemic may have had detrimental psychological effects, which may be alleviated by individual actions such as maintaining frequent social contact and adaptive coping, and by governmental actions which demonstrate support in a public health crisis. Citizens and governments can work together to adapt better to restrictive but necessary measures during the current and future pandemics.

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)

Subject

Behavioral Neuroscience,Applied Psychology

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