INTRODUCTIONEmerging infectious disease outbreaks, such as the present coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, often have a psychological impact on the well-being of the general population, including survivors and caregivers. Our study aimed to synthesise extant literature regarding the combined psychological responses and coping methods used by the general population in past outbreaks. METHODSWe conducted a narrative synthesis of the published literature over the last two decades with a quality appraisal of included articles that reported both psychological responses and coping strategies within infectious disease outbreaks. RESULTSA total of 144 papers were identified from the search, 24 of which were included in the review. Overall, 18 studies examined the psychosocial responses of the general population towards the severe acute respiratory syndrome epidemic, four studies focused on the Ebola epidemic and two studies covered the H1N1 outbreak. Common themes in psychological responses included anxiety/fears, depression, anger, guilt, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress and stigmatisation, but also a greater sense of empowerment and compassion towards others. Coping strategies adopted included problem-focused coping (seeking alternatives, self-and other-preservation), seeking social support, avoidance, and positive appraisal of the situation.CONCLUSION Amid the range of psychosocial responses seen in past infectious disease outbreaks, practical considerations for the current COVID-19 pandemic need to focus on the individual in the context of the larger social environment, with an emphasis on raising awareness of the range of possible psychosocial responses, access to psychological help, selfcare, empowering self-support groups and sustained engagement with updated, reliable information about the outbreak.

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Illness perceptions are beliefs that patients have about their illness. These beliefs play an important role in influencing their behaviour and outcomes. This study examined the factor structure and correlates of the Illness Perception Questionnaire Mental Health (IPQ-MH) among patients with mental illness in a multi-ethnic Asian sample. 400 participants with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, mood or anxiety disorder were recruited from a tertiary psychiatric institution and administered the IPQ-MH. Data on sociodemographic variables were also collected. A multi-factor structure was identified for the Identity, Structure and Cause subscale of the IPQ-MH. Age was consistently associated with a positive perception of illness across all three disorders; women had a more positive perception of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders as compared to men while those of Indian ethnicity had a more negative perception of their mood disorder as compared to those of Chinese ethnicity. Those with lower education had a poorer understanding of their illness among those with mood disorder, and a poorer understanding of their illness and the effectiveness of treatment among those with anxiety disorder. The study identified specific groups which can be targeted through tailored and culturally relevant psychoeducational interventions to enhance their understanding and perception of mental illness.