COVID‐19 and risk of retraumatization in adults with a past exposure to potentially traumatic events: A cross‐cultural exploration across Egypt, Germany, and Italy

Abstract

Aims This study aims to: (1) explore the links between past exposure to potentially traumatic events, fear of contracting COVID‐19 and perceived stress; (2) investigate how the exposure to traumagenic experiences affects one's locus of control over their health; and (3) examine fear, stress reactions and differences in health locus of control across three different sociocultural contexts. Methods A total of 524 adult participants were recruited from Egypt, Germany, and Italy through online channels. Self‐reporting instruments were used to assess previous exposure to potentially traumatic events, PTSD symptoms, fear of COVID‐19, perceived stress, and health locus of control. Results Our findings highlight differences in reaction to COVID‐19 in relation to past exposure to potentially traumatic events and country of residence, both of which may inform tailored community‐based intervention practices. Conclusion The impact of COVID‐19 might be particularly disruptive for people who survived potentially traumatic experiences. Nevertheless, the mass mental health impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic varies across different sociocultural contexts.

Changes in Mental Health, Emotional Distress, and Substance Use Affecting Women Experiencing Violence and Their Service Providers during COVID-19 in a U.S. Southern State

“…As an example, Welfare-Wilson et al [41] reported on their own psychological distress from wearing masks as survivors of IPV, as it served as a physical reminder of the abuse they had endured. Fishere et al [42] examined populations in Egypt, Germany, and Italy with a history of trauma and determined that those who had experienced trauma were more at risk for the negative mental health impacts of the pandemic than participants without past exposure to trauma (most instances of IPV would be considered traumatic by those experiencing them). Often, social isolation is a tactic perpetrators of violence use to separate victims from resources, family, and friends and may be re-experienced by survivors when their government directs them to self-isolate [43].…”

COVID‐19 and vulnerable populations

“…Fishere & Bartoli's ( 2022 ) article titled “ COVID‐19 and Risk of Retraumatization in Adults with a Past Exposure to Potentially Traumatic Events: A Cross‐cultural Exploration across Egypt, Germany, and Italy ” explored the links between past exposure to potentially traumatic events, fear of contracting COVID‐19, and perceived stress that impacted a sample of adults in Egypt, Germany, and Italy. The authors also explored how exposure to traumagenic experiences affected locus of control over the health of the sample.…”