Emotional, Behavioral, and Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019 prompted consternation in many parts of the world. Due to its fast dissemination, the World Health Organization declared a pandemic in March 2020. Aiming to contain the spread of the virus, leaders of many countries restrained social movement, targeting to flatten the curve of contamination with social distancing. This review aimed to analyze how human behavior has changed throughout this period. We also approached the key components of the emotional reaction to the pandemic, how internal and external factors, such as personality traits, gender, the media, the economy and the governmental response, influence the social perception of the pandemic and the psychological outcomes of the current scenario. Moreover, we explored in depth the groups at increased risk of suffering mental health burden secondary to these circumstances. These include the healthcare professionals, elderly individuals, children, college students, black subjects, latin and LGBTQ+ communities, economically disadvantaged groups, the homeless, prisoners, the rural population and psychiatric patients. We also discussed several measures that might minimize the emotional impact derived from this scenario. It is crucial that the health authorities, the government and the population articulate to assist the vulnerable groups and promote emotional and psychological support strategies. Moreover, it is fundamental that the population is provided with accurate information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proportion and associated factors of anxiety in Chinese adolescents with depression during the COVID-19 outbreak

“…Meanwhile, the study revealed that the depressed students who lived in Northwest areas showed higher proportions of anxiety, which was consistent with a cross-sectional study that the anxiety levels of adolescents were highest in Qinghai (Northwest) than other provinces ( Liu et al, 2018 ). The regional differences of mental health problems might be associated with the inequality of socioeconomic status among regions ( Pedrosa et al, 2020 ; McLaughlin et al, 2012 ), the adolescents from poorer regions and families tended to have higher levels of anxiety ( Najman et al, 2010 ). Our results could be useful on designing targeted policies across areas and vulnerable populations to reduce anxiety in Chinese adolescents with depression.…”

Non-pharmaceutical interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A review

“…The second instead, the topic and references. Category Topic and references Non-pharmaceutical interventions Effectiveness of NPIs [36] , [349] , [350] , [351] , [352] ; Effects of NPIs [353] , [354] , [355] , [356] , [357] ; Epidemic modeling [358] Change in medical practice Surgery [34] , [359] ; Ophthalmology [35] ; Disease control [360] ; Dentistry [361] Adoption of NPIs [362] , [363] Impact of digital technology [364] , [365] …”

“…In this category we find reviews that discuss the effectiveness of NPIs [36] , [298] , [349] , [350] , [351] , [352] , their effects [353] , [354] , [355] , [356] , [357] and modeling [358] .…”

“…Ref. [353] reviews the literature focused on the psychological impacts of NPIs with particular attention to minorities and disadvantaged groups, which unfortunately have been more affected by both disease and NPIs. Authors in Ref.…”

Psychosocial impact of COVID-19 pandemic on LGBT people in Chile

“…And, during this COVID-19 pandemic, this population seems to have been more exposed to the risk of social and physical isolation from their support networks, and, difficulty expressing their own identity. Also, LGBT population is more at risk of having psychological consequences because they are more sensitive to stress ( Pedrosa et al, 2020 ).…”