A Longitudinal Study on the Emotional Impact Cause by the COVID-19 Pandemic Quarantine on General Population

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic represents, not only a public physical health emergency, but a mental health serious problem as well. However, little is known about the psychological impact of the quarantine during this pandemic. The aim of this study is to assess the emotional impact of the lockdown measures imposed by the Argentinian government to fight the virus. For this, a survey was distributed on social network. We surveyed the Argentinian general population twice: 2 days after the mandatory quarantine started (time 1), and 2 weeks later (time 2). Anxiety levels were assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; depressive symptoms were assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II; and affect was assessed using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale. A total of 6057 people answered both surveys. In addition, different socio-demographic factors were considered, such as risk factors for COVID-19, age, gender, educational level, variation in family income due to quarantine, number of children, whether they have older adults in charge or not and the number of hours viewing information about COVID-19. Statistically significant variations were observed between the two time points. The effect size, however, was very small. Depression tends to increase slightly, while levels of anxiety and affect (positive and negative) tend to decrease. Also, some slight differences related to the socio-demographic factors were found. Findings suggests that sustaining the lockdown measures could have a larger effect on mental health in the long term. It is necessary to continue monitoring emotional distress and other related mental health problems on the general population. It is also necessary to create programs aimed at promoting mental health, and to distribute information about it.

Psychological Distress of University Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil

“…In the USA, a national representative study conducted during an acute period of COVID-19 spread found increased symptoms of anxiety and depression over time, and estimated that, in the most affected states, each day past since March 10 implied an 11% greater chance of moving to the next category of distress (e.g., moving from mild to moderate symptoms) [9]. These kind of effects of the pandemic have been reported by several other countries, including in Latin America, where contagion started later than in Europe and North America [10][11][12].…”

“…To plan psychological interventions targeting promotion of, and/or restoration of, mental health we need studies aiming at identifying populations at risk in terms of psychological distress, as well as studies focusing how people experience the life-threating situation. Worldwide, cohort studies identified psychological distress in general population [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. Some surveys targeted the mental health of a specific population, such as healthcare workers, students, vulnerable populations, and workers of impacted economic areas [ 16 ].…”

Increased Screen Use on Days With Increased Perceived COVID-19-Related Confinements—A Day Level Ecological Momentary Assessment Study

“…Increased screen use behaviors may further be problematic, as subgroups of especially vulnerable individuals may be at risk of developing chronic and excessive usage patterns. Previous research showed that such behaviors relate to poorer psychological and physical well-being ( 3 , 15 , 24 , 25 ). Additionally, these behaviors may become addictive over time, so that several researchers argued that addiction-related disorders need special attention during the COVID-19 pandemic ( 38 ).…”

“…Such excessive screen use behaviors can be associated with negative effects on psychological well-being during COVID-19-related confinements: students were negatively affected in their sleep quality, sleep duration, physical well-being, and mental health by excessive screen time ( 15 ); increased social media use was associated with a greater tendency to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety ( 24 ); finally, more time consuming news led to higher levels of anxiety and stress ( 3 , 25 ). Moreover, individuals during adolescence and young adulthood may be especially vulnerable to develop excessive, impulsive–compulsive screen use behaviors corresponding to the concept of “behavioral addiction” ( 11 , 26 ).…”

The COVID-19 epidemic in Poland and its influence on the quality of life of university students (young adults) in the context of restricted access to public spaces

“…This new and unprecedented crisis has affected public moods and behavior. Changes in daily routines, social distancing, partial or complete isolation and the existing health risks lead to emotional distress (Canet-Juric et al 2020;Ćosić et al 2020;Duszyński et al 2020;Heitzman 2020).…”