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De Coninck D, Duque M, Schwartz SJ. Dark Triad personality traits and realistic and symbolic COVID-19 threat: The role of conspiracy mentality. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:331-338. [PMID: 37905377 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered global social dynamics through extensive containment measures. Understanding how individuals perceive the virus, distinguishing between realistic and symbolic threats, and considering the influence of personality traits is essential for effective public health messaging and interventions. This study explores the linkage between personality traits and perceived COVID-19 threats, mediated by conspiracy mentality, across diverse international contexts. Online survey data were collected in June 2021 from 13,645 participants across seven European countries, the US, and Colombia. The study explores how individuals with different Dark Triad traits perceive the threat of COVID-19, and whether conspiracy mentality mediates these perceptions. The findings reveal distinct associations. Machiavellianism and narcissism were linked to lower perceived COVID-19 threat, while psychopathy was associated with greater perceived threat. Additionally, individuals with higher conspiracy mentality endorsed greater perceived threat related to COVID-19. This study highlights the influence of Dark Triad personality traits on how individuals perceive the threats posed by COVID-19, with conspiracy mentality mediating this relationship. Understanding these associations provides valuable insights into psychological factors affecting COVID-19 perception, informing future research and public health strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David De Coninck
- Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Institute for Media Studies, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maria Duque
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Seth J Schwartz
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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2
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Kampe L, Hörz-Sagstetter S, Bohn J, Remmers C. How personality functioning relates to psychological distress and behavioral attitudes during the Covid-19 pandemic. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-023-01722-7. [PMID: 38183464 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01722-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Functional aspects of personality are crucial for experiencing and handling emotional distress. With the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus and the subsequent installation of mitigation rules of social distancing, severe psycho-social challenges were posed upon people. Research has shown that individuals react differently to these challenges. This study aimed to investigate the role of dimensional aspects of personality during the Covid-19 pandemic. Specifically, we examined how personality functioning, defense mechanisms, and narcissism were related to psychological distress and cognitive and behavioral attitudes towards the rules of social distancing. In a non-clinical sample (N = 254), Level of Personality Functioning Scale, Inventory of Personality Organization, Defense Style Questionnaire, Pathological Narcissism Inventory, and three single questions regarding emotional distress and behavioral attitudes towards the pandemic were used. Structural equation models with reference and residual factors were calculated. Impairments in personality functioning and vulnerable narcissism showed significant positive relationships, adaptive defense mechanisms significant negative relationships with psychological distress during the pandemic. Residual factors for aggression and low moral values showed distinct negative relationships with psychological distress related to social distancing. Among individuals who chose to ignore the rules of social distancing, greater impairment in personality organization was found. Personality functioning may elucidate individual differences in psychological distress and compliance with the mitigation rules during the pandemic. Limitations of measures are carefully considered in all interpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Kampe
- Department of Psychological Diagnostics, International Psychoanalytic University Berlin, Stromstrasse 1, 10555, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Susanne Hörz-Sagstetter
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Bohn
- Department of Education and Psychology, Division of Clinical Psychological Intervention, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carina Remmers
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Mental Health and Behavioral Medicine, HMU Health and Medical University, Potsdam, Germany
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Machado GM, Perkins ER, Gerodo TP, Miranda JVM, Sica C, Patrick CJ, de Francisco Carvalho L. Individual Differences in Females' Adherence to Public Health Measures and Psychopathology Symptoms During a Global Health Crisis: the Role of Triarchic Psychopathic Traits. J Behav Health Serv Res 2023:10.1007/s11414-023-09858-z. [PMID: 37592048 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-023-09858-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The two broad aims of this study were to (a) investigate how the three traits of the triarchic model-boldness, meanness, and disinhibition-relate to compliance with public health measures, as well as to internalizing and externalizing psychopathology, during a public health crisis, and (b) test for associations between psychopathology and compliance with public health measures. Participants were 947 Brazilian adult females aged 18-75 years who completed measures of the triarchic traits, internalizing and externalizing symptoms/problems, and a COVID-19 behaviors and beliefs questionnaire. Multiple regression and path analyses showed meanness to be the only triarchic trait significantly predictive of compliance with public health measures, in a negative direction, when controlling for the other traits. Results also demonstrated that compliance with public health measures was associated with levels of distress (negatively), obsessions/fear (positively), and positive mood (negatively). Overall, the results demonstrate the contributions of the triarchic traits to understanding complex phenomena, highlighting meanness as the most essential triarchic trait predictor of adherence to public health measures among females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele Magarotto Machado
- Departament of Psychology, Universidade São Francisco, R. Waldemar César da Silveira, 105, Jardim Cura D'ars, Campinas, SP, 13045-510, Brazil
| | - Emily R Perkins
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, 425 S. University Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Thalytha Padulla Gerodo
- Departament of Psychology, Universidade São Francisco, R. Waldemar César da Silveira, 105, Jardim Cura D'ars, Campinas, SP, 13045-510, Brazil
| | - João Victor Martins Miranda
- Departament of Psychology, Universidade São Francisco, R. Waldemar César da Silveira, 105, Jardim Cura D'ars, Campinas, SP, 13045-510, Brazil
| | - Claudio Sica
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Firenze, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Christopher J Patrick
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Lucas de Francisco Carvalho
- Departament of Psychology, Universidade São Francisco, R. Waldemar César da Silveira, 105, Jardim Cura D'ars, Campinas, SP, 13045-510, Brazil
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Ounsaneha W, Laosee O, Suksaroj TT, Rattanapan C. Preventive Behaviors and Influencing Factors among Thai Residents in Endemic Areas during the Highest Epidemic Peak of the COVID-19 Outbreak. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2525. [PMID: 36767892 PMCID: PMC9915108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This research aims to investigate COVID-19 preventive behavior and influencing factors among Thai residents during the highest epidemic peak of COVID-19. Nine hundred and forty-six residents in five districts with high COVID-19 infection cases in Thailand were systematically included in this cross-sectional survey. The results showed that 87.2% and 65.2% of the residents had a high level of general knowledge and preventive measures, respectively. As to COVID-19 attitudes, poor levels of attitude among Thai residents were found in risk perception (53.6%) and mistrust issues (70.4%). Moreover, this study presents good preventive behavior (77.0%) among Thai residents. Multiple logistic regression showed that the influence factors of COVID-19 preventive behavior were the young age group (AOR 2.97, 95% CI 1.68-5.25), high income (AOR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03-1.86), and high level of general COVID-19 knowledge (AOR 2.21, 95% CI 1.64-2.96). The conclusion was that providing information on COVID-19 via social media was the key mechanism of policy action for increasing the level of COVID-19 preventive behavior during the highest epidemic peak in Thailand. In addition, the pandemic preparedness and response policy, with resident participation and involvement, could be recommended for the resilience of pandemic preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weerawat Ounsaneha
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, Klong Nuang, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani 13180, Thailand
| | - Orapin Laosee
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73710, Thailand
| | | | - Cheerawit Rattanapan
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73710, Thailand
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Stasielowicz L. A continuous time meta-analysis of the relationship between conspiracy beliefs and individual preventive behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11508. [PMID: 35798961 PMCID: PMC9261225 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In several longitudinal studies, reduced willingness to show COVID-19-related preventive behavior (e.g., wearing masks, social distancing) has been partially attributed to misinformation and conspiracy beliefs. However, there is considerable uncertainty with respect to the strength of the relationship and whether the negative relationship exists in both directions (reciprocal effects). One explanation of the heterogeneity pertains to the fact that the time interval between consecutive measurement occasions varies (e.g., 1 month, 3 months) both between and within studies. Therefore, a continuous time meta-analysis based on longitudinal studies was conducted. This approach enables one to examine how the strength of the relationship between conspiracy beliefs and COVID-19 preventive behavior depends on the time interval. In total, 1035 correlations were coded for 17 samples (N = 16,350). The results for both the full set of studies and a subset consisting of 13 studies corroborated the existence of reciprocal effects. Furthermore, there was some evidence of publication bias. The largest cross-lagged effects were observed between 3 and 6 months, which can inform decision-makers and researchers when carrying out interventions or designing studies examining the consequences of new conspiracy theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Stasielowicz
- Institute of Psychology, Osnabrück University, Seminarstraße 20, 49074, Osnabrück, Germany.
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Troisi A, Nanni RC, Riconi A, Carola V, Di Cave D. Fear of COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers: The Role of Neuroticism and Fearful Attachment. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4358. [PMID: 34640375 PMCID: PMC8509269 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear of becoming infected is an important factor of the complex suite of emotional reactions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among healthcare workers (HWs), fear of infection can put at risk their psychological well-being and occupational efficiency. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of personality (i.e., the big five traits) and adult attachment in predicting levels of fear (as measured by the FCV-19S) in 101 HWs employed in a COVID-19 university hospital. The three significant predictors retained by the stepwise regression model were age (beta = 0.26, t = 2.89, p < 0.01), emotional stability (i.e., the inverse of neuroticism) (beta = -0.26, t = -2.89, p < 0.01), and fearful attachment (beta = 0.25, t = 2.75, p < 0.01). Older HWs with higher levels of neuroticism and fearful attachment reported more intense fear of COVID-19. Our results can be useful to identify vulnerable subgroups of HWs and to implement selective programs of prevention based on counseling and psychological support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Troisi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Riconi
- Psychiatry Residency Program, Medical School, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Valeria Carola
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome La Sapienza, 00143 Rome, Italy;
| | - David Di Cave
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy;
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