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Guerra GC, Nardozza O, Frigerio A, Garito MC, Ponzetti S, Passaquindici I, Fasolo M, Spinelli M, Lionetti F. Families Facing Pandemic Modifications of Everyday Life: A Mixed Study on Mothers' and Children's Emotional Reactions and Regulation Strategies. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1627. [PMID: 37892290 PMCID: PMC10605359 DOI: 10.3390/children10101627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many enduring changes in the everyday life of families, with negative effects on parents' and children's wellbeing. However, there is a lack of studies in the literature exploring the emotional reactions and coping strategies of both mothers and children of different ages. Furthermore, most studies used only self-reports. This study aimed to identify the emotions and coping strategies of children, adolescents and their mothers and to verify the association between maternal and child wellbeing. A mixed-method design using interviews and questionnaires was applied to collect information on wellbeing (emotional reactions, behavioral/emotional problems) and coping strategies of both mothers (n = 65; M age = 42.17; SD = 4.40; M age = 41.63; SD = 4.48), and their children (n = 35, 8-10 year; n = 30, 11-13 year) during the second wave of the pandemic (December 2020). No differences between the groups emerged concerning the emotional reactions reported. In contrast, mothers and children of different ages reported different self-regulation and other-regulation strategies. Moreover, maternal strategies had different effects on children's wellbeing. The integration of qualitative and quantitative results was informative to understand how families adapted to the radical changes of everyday life related to the pandemic. The implications for developing interventions in such similar stressful situations to promote family wellbeing are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Carlotta Guerra
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Odette Nardozza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Alessandra Frigerio
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University Milano, 20143 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maria Concetta Garito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Silvia Ponzetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Ilenia Passaquindici
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Mirco Fasolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Maria Spinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Francesca Lionetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
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Covelli V, Camisasca E, Manzoni GM, Crescenzo P, Marelli A, Visco MA, Cafagna D, Marsicovetere V, Pesce M, Cantoia M. After the first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions, experiences, and effects on well-being in Italian people. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1172456. [PMID: 37333603 PMCID: PMC10274577 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1172456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent measures of containment, multiple studies have been conducted aimed at assessing the impacts on people's psychophysical well-being; however, few studies have investigated the general population's perceptions, experiences, and effects by adopting a mixed-method approach. Methods A total of 855 Italian participants completed an online survey, conducted in the period following the first lockdown in Italy. Psychological well-being, perceived stress and COVID-19-related fears were assessed by standardized questionnaires (Psychological General Well-Being Index-Short version, Perceived Stress Scale 10, and Multidimensional Assessment of COVID-19-Related Fears). The process of sense-making of the experience during the lockdown period was also evaluated by means of an open-ended question. Results Participants reported a lower level of general well-being, and a higher level of both perceived stress and COVID-19-related fear during the lockdown period compared to the time of the survey (1 month after the resumption of activities). The thematic analysis of responses to the open-ended question revealed two factors and five clusters, which explain the thematic variance among the narratives: the first factor refers to the type of experience (emotional states and feelings vs. objective descriptions of daily activities), while the second concerns positive or negative connotations of the experiences reported. Conclusions This study explored the psychological impact of the first lockdown on people's well-being, and described the process of making sense of the experience during the lockdown 1 month after going back to previous habits. Results highlighted the effectiveness of the mixed-method approach for an in-depth and exhaustive investigation of people's psychological condition during and after the first lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pietro Crescenzo
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Dario Cafagna
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Como, Italy
| | | | - Mario Pesce
- Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Como, Italy
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Zivi P, Sdoia S, Alfonsi V, Gorgoni M, Mari E, Quaglieri A, De Gennaro L, Giannini AM, Ferlazzo F. Decision-Making and Risk-Propensity Changes during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13050793. [PMID: 37239265 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13050793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The imposition of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic placed individuals under conditions of environmental stress, threatening individual and collective wellbeing. This study aimed to investigate the temporal effects of isolation and confinement during and after the Italian lockdown on decision-making, risk propensity, and cognitive control processes. The present study covered almost the entire Italian lockdown period (each week from the end of March to mid-May 2020), plus a follow-up measure (September 2020). At each time-point, respondents completed online behavioral tasks, which involved measuring risk-propensity (Balloon Analogue Risk Task), decision-making (Iowa Gambling Task), and cognitive flexibility (Category Switch Task). They also filled in questionnaires regarding subjective stress and anxiety. The main findings showed that the decision-making abilities of the respondents were affected as the confinement progressed. Furthermore, individuals who were more subjectively impacted by the lockdown/isolation experience exhibited impaired decision-making, especially during the lockdown. The results of the study highlight that prolonged confinement may affect human decision making, and help understand individuals' misbehaviors during emergencies and develop effective countermeasures aimed at reducing the burden of the healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierpaolo Zivi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Sdoia
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Alfonsi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Gorgoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mari
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quaglieri
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Postpartum Maternal Mental Health. J Pers Med 2022; 13:jpm13010056. [PMID: 36675717 PMCID: PMC9866377 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There are reports of mental health worsening during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to assess whether this occurred in women who were pregnant at baseline (late 2019) and unaware of the pandemic, and who delivered after the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions and threat (March-April 2020). To compare the pandemic period with the pre-pandemic, we capitalized on a retrospective 2014-2015 perinatal sample which had had affective symptoms assessed. METHODS The COVID sample were administered the Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Hypomania Checklist-32 (HCL-32), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) at T0 (pregnancy) and T1 (post-delivery). The Non-COVID sample had completed EPDS and HCL-32 at the same timepoints. RESULTS The COVID sample included 72 women, aged 21-46 years (mean = 33.25 years ± 4.69), and the Non-COVID sample included 68 perinatal women, aged 21-46 years (mean = 34.01 years ± 4.68). Our study showed greater levels of mild depression in T1 among the COVID sample compared to the Non-COVID sample. No significant differences in terms of major depression and suicidal ideation were found. The levels of hypomania were significantly different between the two groups at T1, with the COVID sample scoring higher than the Non-COVID sample. This may be related to the high levels of perceived stress we found during the postpartum evaluation in the COVID sample. LIMITATIONS There was a relatively small sample size. CONCLUSIONS New mothers responded to the pandemic with less mental health impairment than expected, differently from the general population. Women delivering amidst the pandemic did not differ in depressive and anxiety symptoms from their pre-pandemic scores and from pre-pandemic women. Because stress responses have high energy costs, it is optimal for maternal animals to minimize such high metabolic costs during motherhood. Evidence suggests that reproductive experience alters the female brain in adaptive ways. This maternal brain plasticity facilitates a higher purpose, the continuation of the species. This may point to the recruitment of motherhood-related resources, for potentially overcoming the effects of the pandemic on mental health.
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Celia G, Lausi G, Girelli L, Cavicchiolo E, Limone P, Giannini AM, Cozzolino M. COVID-19 related conspiracy beliefs and their relationship with defense strategies, emotions, powerlessness, attitudes, and time perspective. Front Psychol 2022; 13:939615. [PMID: 36304882 PMCID: PMC9592837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.939615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted individual's life and society, and such an emergency has increased the likelihood of recurring conspiratorial thinking. There is much research on broader conspiratorial thinking and studies on COVID-19-related conspiratorial thinking has been growing worldwide, moreover, the negative consequences of COVID-19 specific conspiratorial beliefs for people's health are clear. However, person-centered research aiming at identify groups of individuals who share patterns of relations between COVID-19 specific conspiratorial beliefs and other psychological features is still scarce. A sample of 1.002 people (18-40 years old, M = 23; SD = 5.19) responded to a questionnaire administered online. The aim was to identify groups of individuals based on their beliefs about COVID-19 conspiracy theories and to compare the groups identified in terms of psychological characteristics associated such as automatic defense mechanisms, coping strategies, powerlessness, emotions, emotional regulation, attitudes toward the COVID-19, social distancing discontent, perceptions of COVID-19 severity and temporal perspective. A k-mean cluster analysis identified the groups of Believers (22.26%), Ambivalent believers (34.3%), and Non-believers (43.21%). The three groups differ particularly in terms of defense mechanisms, and time perspective. Results suggested the need to tailor interventions for individuals believing in COVID-19 conspiratorial theories based on differences in the psychological characteristics among the three groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Celia
- Department of Humanities, Literature, Cultural Heritage, Education Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Giulia Lausi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Girelli
- Department of Human, Philosophical and Educational Sciences, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Elisa Cavicchiolo
- Department of Human, Philosophical and Educational Sciences, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Limone
- Department of Humanities, Literature, Cultural Heritage, Education Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Cozzolino
- Department of Human, Philosophical and Educational Sciences, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
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Rossi C, De Salve F, Agliati M, Oasi O. Coping strategies and mental health: A web-based survey among the Italian population dealing with COVID-19. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, PROCESS AND OUTCOME 2022; 25. [PMID: 35796596 PMCID: PMC9422317 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2022.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to be a highly stressful event with a major impact on psychological mental health worldwide. The use of different coping strategies may change the perception of psychological well-being during the pandemic. The present study aims to explore psychological mental health in relation to sociodemographic variables and to analyze the coping strategies of the Italian population in dealing with COVID-19. Implications for clinical interventions are reported. A total of 537 individuals (>18) participated in the survey completing measures of sociodemographic data, general psychological well-being, and coping strategies. Results found that females, students, and unmarried people reported the lowest levels of well-being. Specifically, the coping strategy called positive attitude was positively correlated with psychological well-being, whereas avoidance and social support strategies negatively influenced well-being. Understanding beneficial coping strategies is central to optimally manage the long-lasting of the current COVID-19 situation and may be useful for mental health professionals in treating patients suffering psychologically from the pandemic.
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The Fear of COVID-19: Gender Differences among Italian Health Volunteers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116369. [PMID: 35681954 PMCID: PMC9180366 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the fear of being infected was a major concern, resulting in both physical and psychological effects. Despite several studies on fear of COVID-19 in the general population, the effects on healthy volunteers who face COVID-19 on the frontlines have not yet been investigated. Methods: An online survey on specific psychological variables related to COVID-19 was administered to 720 healthy volunteers, and gender differences were investigated. Results: The primary finding was that females showed higher scores in all dimensions assessed. A multiple linear regression conducted on both genders exhibited a similar pattern of predictors, highlighting the pivotal role of negative affect in the male group. Conclusions: The findings suggest that COVID-19 had significant effects on healthy volunteers, especially in the female group. Although the previous literature did not report the crucial role played by the negative affect in the male sample, these results highlight the need to deepen how both genders use different emotional strategies to cope with stressful situations. This study may be useful in the development of specific psychological support and ad hoc training for healthy volunteers.
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Suicide Trends in the Italian State Police during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: A Comparison with the Pre-Pandemic Period. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19105904. [PMID: 35627441 PMCID: PMC9140429 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19105904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic is posing an occupational stressor for law enforcement personnel. Therefore, a high priority is the need to quantify this phenomenon and put supportive programs in place. During the pandemic period, the Italian State Police implemented different support programs for the personnel. These included a national toll-free number to provide information on COVID-19 to police staff, availability of a health care service by doctors and nurses at the national level, vaccination services, working remotely, and a psychological intervention protocol called “Together we can” (“Insieme Possiamo”). Our study firstly aims to perform a descriptive analysis of the suicide in the Italian police from 2016 to 2021, and secondly aims to compare the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (February 2020 to October 2021), the suicide rate in the State Police did not significantly increase compared to the pre-pandemic period, showing a stable trend with a not significant decrease in the suicide rate. The implementation of staff support services by the Central Directorate of Health of the Italian State Police and individual resilience aspects of the Police personnel in response to the pandemic may have positively affected the phenomenon. These aspects pave the way to further studies on the issue to improve preventive strategies.
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Hendriksen PA, Kiani P, Garssen J, Bruce G, Verster JC. Living Alone or Together During Lockdown: Association with Mood, Immune Fitness and Experiencing COVID-19 Symptoms. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2021; 14:1947-1957. [PMID: 34887688 PMCID: PMC8651091 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s332853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate whether or not living alone or together throughout the lockdown had an impact on mood, perceived immune fitness, as well as the presence and severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Methods N = 505 participants completed an online survey, which included questions on living situations, as well as mood, perceived immune fitness and COVID-19 symptom presence and severity. These factors were assessed retrospectively for the time periods before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results An overall decrease in mood was observed for both those living alone and together during the lockdown period. However, significantly larger increases in feelings of loneliness were observed for the group living alone. Furthermore, both groups reported decreases in perceived immune fitness, whereas only the group living alone reported a significant increase in COVID-19 symptom presence and severity. Moreover, significant correlations were found between perceived immune fitness, anxiety, and loneliness. These correlations were strongest in the group living alone. Lastly, positive correlations were found between perceived immune fitness and mood outcomes with being active, optimistic and the ability to cope with stress. Increased optimism, being more active and the adequate ability to cope with stress were associated with a reduced negative impact on perceived immune fitness. Conclusion The first COVID-19 lockdown period in the Netherlands was a challenging period for both people who lived alone and those living together, resulting in decreases in mood and poorer perceived immune fitness. Those living alone were, however, more heavily impacted by the lockdown restrictions. This was further reflected by the increased presence and severity of COVID-19 symptoms in people who lived alone during the first COVID-19 lockdown in The Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline A Hendriksen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584CG, the Netherlands
| | - Pantea Kiani
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584CG, the Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584CG, the Netherlands.,Global Centre of Excellence Immunology, Nutricia Danone Research, Utrecht, 3584CT, the Netherlands
| | - Gillian Bruce
- Division of Psychology and Social Work, School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, PA1 2BE, UK
| | - Joris C Verster
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584CG, the Netherlands.,Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC3122, Australia
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When "Stay at Home" Can Be Dangerous: Data on Domestic Violence in Italy during COVID-19 Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18178948. [PMID: 34501537 PMCID: PMC8431219 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18178948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The global pandemic caused by a new strain of Coronavirus has brought the Italian government to adopt quarantine, isolation, and lockdown strategies as restrictive measures to reduce the virus spread. Being forced to stay at home could significantly increase the likelihood of episodes of home-based violence and could also be accompanied by a limited possibility of complaints or defense by the victim. The present study aimed to document, through the use of newspaper articles, the characteristics of domestic violence during the lockdown period related to COVID-19 in Italy (from 9 March 2020 up to 18 May 2020) and compare the results with the same period in 2019. The results showed an increase in domestic violence during the lockdown period compared to the same period the year before and highlighted the differences between the dynamics and violent behavior between the two periods examined. The results and limitations of this research are discussed with reference to the literature.
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Quaglieri A, Lausi G, Fraschetti A, Burrai J, Barchielli B, Pizzo A, Cordellieri P, De Gennaro L, Gorgoni M, Ferlazzo F, Sdoia S, Zivi P, Giannini AM, Mari E. "Stay at Home" in Italy during the COVID-19 Outbreak: A Longitudinal Study on Individual Well-Being among Different Age Groups. Brain Sci 2021; 11:993. [PMID: 34439611 PMCID: PMC8394798 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11080993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The restrictions imposed by the Italian government because of the coronavirus outbreak have been shown to be demanding on the Italian population. Data were collected at four different time points from 29 March 2020 to 3 May 2020 and during the final follow-up survey on 12 October 2020. In the present study, we provided longitudinal evidence on the relationship between the lockdown and mental health dimensions, such as emotional state, perceived stress, and time perspective, for three age groups. The results allowed us to observe their psychological status from different perspectives at five different time points. Notably, a negative effect of the lockdown individual well-beings emerged as a trend, and differences in individual adaptation strategies to a prolonged stressful situation were observed at the follow-up. Indeed, pairwise comparisons between age groups showed that the young adult group (18-23 years old) seemed to be the most psychologically affected by the lockdown. The findings are discussed according to the most recent literature on the topic. To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the first longitudinal studies carried out in Italy concerning the general psychological effects of the coronavirus lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Quaglieri
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Giulia Lausi
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Angelo Fraschetti
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Jessica Burrai
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Pizzo
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Pierluigi Cordellieri
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Maurizio Gorgoni
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Stefano Sdoia
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Pierpaolo Zivi
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
| | - Emanuela Mari
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.L.); (A.F.); (J.B.); (A.P.); (P.C.); (L.D.G.); (M.G.); (F.F.); (S.S.); (P.Z.); (A.M.G.); (E.M.)
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Lausi G, Pizzo A, Cricenti C, Baldi M, Desiderio R, Giannini AM, Mari E. Intimate Partner Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Review of the Phenomenon from Victims' and Help Professionals' Perspectives. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6204. [PMID: 34201161 PMCID: PMC8227680 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation is considered one of the main risk factors leading to intimate partner violence episodes; this evidence also emerged during the application of stay-at-home policies to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, we aimed to collect data on intimate partner violence over the last year, comparing data reported by victims with data collected by help professionals. In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, through keywords related to abuse, pandemic and containment measures, 3174 articles were identified for screening. After full-text reading and risk of bias analysis, 19 studies were included, and a thematic synthesis was conducted according to two categories: "studies with victims" and "studies with help professionals". The results of the present review showed that there were significant differences between the data provided by victims and the data collected by health care facilities and police departments; additionally, differences among different forms and severity of victimization emerged. The results have been discussed according to the literature; in particular, we reflected on how containment measures have apparently made it more difficult for victims to report, thus making the existence of the dark figure of crime even more salient.
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Andersen LH, Fallesen P, Bruckner TA. Risk of stress/depression and functional impairment in Denmark immediately following a COVID-19 shutdown. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:984. [PMID: 34039323 PMCID: PMC8149922 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11020-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Existing estimates of the impact of the COVID-19 burden on mental wellbeing come from countries with high mortality rates. This study therefore aimed to investigate the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown (March–April 2020) on risk for stress/depression and functional impairment in a representative sample of adult individuals in Denmark, which had lower infection rates, and whether the impact of lockdown was heterogeneous across living situation. Methods Using a representative, randomly drawn sample from the complete Danish adult population interviewed in March 2 to April 13, 2020 (n = 2836) and again in July 2020 (n = 1526, 54% retention rate), we study how the imposed lockdown announced March 11 following the onset of the first Danish wave of COVID-19 infections affected mental wellbeing. We use the World Health Organization Five Well-being Index (WHO-5) and the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) to capture risk for stress/depression (WHO-5 < 50) and functional impairment (WSAS > 10). Using covariate adjusted ordinary least squares linear probability models and exploiting variation in the timing of responses occurring just before and just after the introduction of lockdown, we compare respondents before lockdown to respondents that answered during lockdown, as well as to answers in re-interviews in July. Results In our fully controlled models, we find reduced depressive symptoms among adults immediately after the shutdown, concentrated in adults with children living at home (−.089, p < .01 (from pre lockdown baseline .273)). Measures of functional impairment also declined immediately after the March shutdown among adults with children living at home (−.066, p < .05 (from pre lockdown baseline .150)). Impairment intensified for the entire sample between March and July (+.199, p < .001 (from pre lockdown baseline .248)), but depressive symptoms remained at lower rate in July (−.033, p < .05 (from pre lockdown baseline .332). Conclusions Findings in Denmark indicate that living with children at home may have, in the short term, buffered the potential mental health sequelae of the COVID-19 shutdown. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11020-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars H Andersen
- ROCKWOOL Foundation, Ny Kongensgade 6, 1472, Copenhagen C, Denmark.
| | - Peter Fallesen
- ROCKWOOL Foundation, Ny Kongensgade 6, 1472, Copenhagen C, Denmark.,Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim A Bruckner
- Program in Public Health and the Center for Population, Inequality and Policy, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697-3957, USA
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Older Adolescents Who Did or Did Not Experience COVID-19 Symptoms: Associations with Mental Health, Risk Perception and Social Connection. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18095006. [PMID: 34065093 PMCID: PMC8125970 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18095006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
After a decrease in detected cases in the summer, Europe faced the emergence of a second wave of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Few studies have investigated adolescents, who may constitute a target group with possible lower compliance to public health measures, particularly the social distancing measures. A total sample of 492 participants was included in the study, and the ages of the participants ranged from 18–24 years. According to the hypothesis of our study, the sample was divided into two groups: those who experienced COVID-19 symptoms and those who did not experience COVID-19 symptoms. Demographic characteristics, knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors related to COVID-19 were investigated with ad hoc items; in addition, mood disorders, self-efficacy, and social connectedness were explored. Our results showed significant differences in the variables of risk perception, self-efficacy, and measures of belongingness among older adolescents who did or did not experience COVID-19 symptoms. In this period, adolescents experienced unprecedented disruptions in their daily lives, leading them to isolation and loneliness. Compliance with restrictive measures is considered both a proactive behavior and a social responsibility, especially if supported by prosocial reasons to prevent others from getting sick; therefore, this must be the focus of raising awareness of anti-COVID-19 compliance among adolescents.
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Teaching during the Pandemic: A Comparison in Psychological Wellbeing among Smart Working Professions. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13094850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, since March 2020, the Italian population was forced into lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus. The restrictive measures imposed forced many organizations and workers to work through online platforms and no longer in-person. Smart working, enjoyed by some workers for its flexibility, affected several professional categories. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the psychological variables related to four groups of professional categories (practitioners, managers, executive employees, teachers), particularly the teachers group. Methods: A total sample of 628 individuals was recruited through a random probability sample across Italy. Due to the lockdown, an online questionnaire was developed; several validated scales were chosen, and some ad hoc constructed items related to the smart working experience were included. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between the four groups of examined smart workers. Conclusions: All workers have had to readjust to this new way of working, but our results show that teachers were the most affected, both in the perception of their psychological well-being and in the management of the smart working mode.
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