Objectives Quantitative research on the psychological effects of lockdown conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic is needed to inform mental health interventions which aim to alleviate potential adverse effects. The goal of this study was to investigate psychological distress during the lockdown in New Zealand. Methods We implemented a longitudinal quasi-experimental research design using a sample ( n = 81) who completed surveys on mindfulness, satisfaction with life, and mental health indicators at three time-points, separated by at least 2-week intervals. The sample was divided into two parts, the baseline group ( n = 44) and the lockdown group ( n = 37). The baseline group completed the surveys the first time prior to lockdown, and mostly completed the second and third surveys during lockdown. The lockdown group mostly completed the survey for the first time during lockdown and the second and third surveys during or after lockdown. Results Mindfulness and satisfaction with life at baseline significantly predicted lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress during uncertain and emergency conditions before and during lockdown. The baseline group experienced significantly less anxiety and stress during lockdown compared to just prior to the lockdown (baseline condition). Conclusions Individuals who have higher levels of mindfulness and those with greater life satisfaction experience significantly less depression, anxiety, and stress over time, during both uncertain and emergency conditions such as during the threat of COVID-19. The finding of anxiety and stress reduction during lockdown may be specific to New Zealand, as conditions differ in many ways from those in other countries. Preventative measures which increase mindfulness and satisfaction with life could help alleviate depression, anxiety, and stress during uncertain and emergency conditions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-021-01731-4.

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The current study investigated the assessment of depression, anxiety, and stress during normal and COVID‐19 pandemic conditions. Generalisability theory (G‐theory) was applied to examine stable and dynamic aspects of psychological distress and the overall reliability of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS‐21), using data from two independent samples collected on three occasions with 2‐ to 4‐week intervals. The US data (n = 115) was collected before the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the New Zealand (NZ) data (n = 114) was obtained during the pandemic. The total DASS‐21 demonstrated excellent reliability in measuring enduring symptoms of psychological distress (G = .94–.96) across both samples. While all DASS‐21 subscales demonstrated good reliability with the pre‐pandemic US sample, the subscales' reliability was below an acceptable level for the NZ sample. Findings from this study indicate that the overall psychological distress is enduring and can be reliably measured by the DASS‐21 across different conditions and populations, while shifts across depression, anxiety and stress levels are likely during emergency and uncertainty, as seen in the COVID‐19 pandemic.