The Psychological Impacts of a COVID-19 Outbreak on College Students in China: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

An outbreak in Wuhan, China in late 2019 of a highly infectious new coronary pneumonia (COVID-19) led to the imposition of countrywide confinement measures from January to March 2020. This is a longitudinal study on changes in the mental health status of a college population before and after their COVID-19 confinement for the first two weeks, focusing on states of psychological distress, depression, anxiety and affectivity. The influence of possible stressors on their mental health were investigated, including inadequate supplies and fears of infection. Five hundred and fifty-five undergraduate students were recruited from Hebei Agricultural University in Baoding, China. The participants completed two online surveys—on anxiety and depression, and on positive and negative affect. One survey was conducted before the confinement and the other was conducted 15–17 days after the start of the confinement. Increases in negative affect and symptoms of anxiety and depression (p-values < 0.001) were observed after 2 weeks of confinement. Inadequate supplies of hand sanitizers, a higher year of study, and higher scores on anxiety and depression were common predictors of increased negative affect, anxiety, and depression across the confinement period. The results suggest that healthcare policymakers should carefully consider the appropriate confinement duration, and ensure adequate supplies of basic infection-control materials.

Exploring Influential Factors Including COVID-19 on Green Food Purchase Intentions and the Intention–Behaviour Gap: A Qualitative Study among Consumers in a Chinese Context

“…Thus, the unavailability problem was significant to limit consumers’ green food purchases. Additionally, some respondents indicated that the pandemic had brought the individuals several negative psychological effects, which is consistent with findings specifically in a Chinese context [ 91 ]. In terms of food consumption, some consumers had become more price-sensitive, and their demand for income elastic products (e.g., green food) sharply declined as a result of a loss of household income and panic buying during the pandemic.…”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health: The Role of Locus on Control and Internet Use

“…For example, a Hong Kong study showed that 19% of participants met the criteria for a depressive disorder, and 14% for an anxiety disorder [ 5 ]. Longitudinal evidence shows that since the pandemic began, individuals have reported greater emotional distress [ 6 ], more negative effects, as well as higher symptoms of depression and anxiety [ 7 ]. When asked retrospectively, 25.4% of the Chinese general public reported feeling that their mental health had deteriorated since the pandemic began [ 5 ].…”

“…Previous literature suggests that COVID-19 has adverse effects on mental health and that this depends on exposure to the pandemic. The few studies already conducted on the topic have mostly been descriptive [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], with only a handful of empirical studies published outside of China [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. The focus of this study is to understand how internet use, online social capital, and locus of control relate to mental health.…”

The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network: Setting a Mental Health Agenda for the Region

“…Heightened stress during pandemics and disasters can impair individual wellbeing (with effects on psychological health and sleep), cognitive function (memory, concentration and executive function), high-risk behaviours (alcohol and substance use, increased rates of domestic violence) and behavioural outcomes (such as compliance or disregard for public health orders) [ 1 , 2 ]. The mental health effects of disasters result not only from trauma exposure but may also arise from the implementation of public health response strategies such as quarantine, physical and social distancing or evacuation [ 3 , 4 ]. Economic insecurity, unemployment or underemployment, school closures and the shutdown of regional infrastructure can have devastating effects for population mental health.…”

“…Economic insecurity, unemployment or underemployment, school closures and the shutdown of regional infrastructure can have devastating effects for population mental health. In addition, concerns regarding safety measures and sufficient supply of personal protective equipment can contribute to psychological distress [ 4 , 5 ]. Moreover, while many people demonstrate tremendous resilience during emergencies and in the immediate aftermath [ 6 ], the long-term psychological effects of disasters and pandemics are often debilitating [ 7 , 8 ].…”