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A Cross-Cultural Study of Distress during COVID-19 Pandemic: Some Protective and Risk Factors
Ankica Kosic1, Tamara Džamonja Ignjatović2, Nebojša Petrović2
1Dipartimento di Psicologia dei Processi di Sviluppo e Socializzazione, Facoltà di Medicina e Psicologia, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic increased distress, especially for chronic worriers with high fear of COVID-19. Social support may offer protection, but worry intensifies the fear-distress link.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Global studies indicate COVID-19 pandemic heightened anxiety, stress, and mental health issues.
- Research is needed to identify protective and risk factors for psychological distress during pandemics.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate risk and protective factors for distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Examine the role of social support and chronic worry in pandemic-related distress.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study across three European countries: Italy, Serbia, and Romania.
- Survey administered to 1100 participants assessing distress, fear of COVID-19, social support, and worry.
- Quantitative analysis to determine relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- Higher distress levels correlated with chronic worry and increased fear of COVID-19.
- Chronic worry significantly exacerbated the relationship between fear and distress.
- Perceived social support acted as a potential protective factor.
Conclusions:
- Chronic worry and fear of COVID-19 are significant risk factors for distress.
- Interventions targeting worry and enhancing social support may mitigate pandemic-related mental health impacts.
- Findings highlight the importance of psychological resilience factors during health crises.
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