Coping style, social support and psychological distress in the general Chinese population in the early stages of the COVID-2019 epidemic

Abstract

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological status of the general population in mainland China during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to explore the factors influencing psychological distress, in order to provide the basis for further psychological intervention programs.MethodsWe administered three questionnaires on-line to a convenience sample of the general population from different regions of mainland China from February 1 to February 4, 2020. We used the Mandarin versions of the six-item Kessler psychological distress scale (K6), the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). We also collected demographic data and other information related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing psychological distress.ResultsOf 1607 respondents, 1588 returned valid questionnaires and were included in the analysis. Nearly one quarter (22.8%) had high levels of psychological distress (K6 score ≥ 13). Individuals with higher psychological distress spent more time searching for information about COVID-19, had a history of contact with epidemic areas, more frequently adopted a negative coping style, and reported less social support than those with lower psychological distress.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 outbreak in China has a great impact on the mental health status of the general population. Positive coping strategies and increased social support are significantly correlated with decreased psychological distress, and may serve as the basis for psychological interventions.

The Enemy Which Sealed the World: Effects of COVID-19 Diffusion on the Psychological State of the Italian Population

“…This study delivers further information to add to the findings reported on the Chinese population that was the first to be severely affected by COVID-19 [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 26 ], indicating that the effects of this pandemic on the psychopathological conditions are similar in the Italian and Chinese populations. In both countries younger age, student status, female gender and direct contact with COVID-19 infection are associated with a greater psychological impact of the emergency, involving many psychopathological dimensions (e.g., anxiety, distress, sleep disturbance) [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 26 ].…”

“…Recent reviews suggest that the psychological impact of quarantine and social distancing is wide-ranging, substantial, and can be long-lasting, including anxiety and mood disorders, psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbance, and other psychopathological conditions [ 3 , 4 ]. Accordingly, as reported by previous studies on the COVID-19 emergency in China [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ], we aimed to investigate the psychological status of the Italian people in the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, trying to define the reaction of the Italians to the government’s measures of enforced social distancing in this extraordinary situation. Specifically, we focused our attention on the level of anxiety, mood, and other psychopathological symptoms as indicators of general distress in the current conditions.…”

For the Greater Good? The Devastating Ripple Effects of the Covid-19 Crisis

“…People can react to prolonged stress with coping, which can range from functional, such as a healthy lifestyle and seeking support to more dysfunctional, such as withdrawal and substance use (See Figure 1 ). The negative effects of stress related outcomes can (in part) be counteracted by functional coping styles ( Yu et al, 2020 ). Functional coping styles and several interventions have been related to better resilience, emotion regulation and health outcomes ( Santarnecchi et al, 2018 ; Ho et al, 2020 ; Polizzi et al, 2020 ).…”

“…In turn, people with substance use disorder, have a higher risk of contracting Covid-19, and the increase in substance use may be observed for years after the lockdown ( Mallet et al, 2020 ). In going forward, it is important to try to make sure that this group of people adopts more functional coping styles ( Yu et al, 2020 ; Zhang et al, 2020 ).…”

The social support networks of elderly people in Slovenia during the Covid-19 pandemic

“…The latter -depression and anxiety -are common psychological reactions to the Covid-19 pandemic [10,11], therefore making social support vital in maintaining health during this period. A German study reveals that perceived social support is related to lower levels of anxiety, depressive and sleeping disorders during the coronavirus pandemic [10], while a Chinese study shows greater psychological distress among adult Chinese with less social support during the Covid-19 pandemic compared to those who have more social support [12].…”