COVID-19 voluntary social isolation  and its effects in sociofamily and children’s behavior

Introduction. The main prevention strategy for reducing the dispersion of the SARS-CoV-2 has been social distancing. Several investigations began to explore its psychological impact since it began, but there are no data about its effect on social and family behavior. Objectives. Were: First, to analyze the reliability of an ad-hoc designed questionnaire to measure sociofamily behavior changes in a sample of parents of children from one to twelve years old. Second, to characterize effects of voluntary social isolation by COVID-19 over sociofamily behavior at a personal level and over children’s activities at home. Third, to determine vulnerability predictors for a negative experience by isolation itself. Method. An online Questionnaire for Perceptions of Changes in Sociofamily Behavior was applied to 365 Mexican participants. Results. Factor analysis showed a reliability of the ad-hoc designed questionnaire for this study. Correlations were found between voluntary social isolation and self-perceived experiences, such as sleep quality, irritability, emotional control, hope about the future, motivation, attention span, and problem solving. Discussion and conclusion. The results of this study suggest that family well-being during voluntary social isolation is a complex and multifactorial phenomenon, which addresses specific effects in different domains, especially in sociofamily behavior.

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Teaching during the Pandemic: A Comparison in Psychological Wellbeing among Smart Working Professions

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13094850 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 4850

Author(s):

Emanuela Mari ◽

Giulia Lausi ◽

Angelo Fraschetti ◽

Alessandra Pizzo ◽

Michela Baldi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ad Hoc ◽

Well Being ◽

Total Sample ◽

Italian Population ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Psychological Variables ◽

Group Methods ◽

Random Probability ◽

Smart Working ◽

Restrictive Measures

Background: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, since March 2020, the Italian population was forced into lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus. The restrictive measures imposed forced many organizations and workers to work through online platforms and no longer in-person. Smart working, enjoyed by some workers for its flexibility, affected several professional categories. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there are differences in the psychological variables related to four groups of professional categories (practitioners, managers, executive employees, teachers), particularly the teachers group. Methods: A total sample of 628 individuals was recruited through a random probability sample across Italy. Due to the lockdown, an online questionnaire was developed; several validated scales were chosen, and some ad hoc constructed items related to the smart working experience were included. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences between the four groups of examined smart workers. Conclusions: All workers have had to readjust to this new way of working, but our results show that teachers were the most affected, both in the perception of their psychological well-being and in the management of the smart working mode.

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ЗНАЧАЈ ЕТИЧКЕ КЛИМЕ И КОРУПТИВНИХ РАЦИОНАЛИЗАЦИЈА ЗА НАЧИН РЕШАВАЊА ЕТИЧКИХ ДИЛЕМА НА РАДУ

TEME ◽

10.22190/teme190413073m ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1201

Author(s):

Nebojša Majstorović ◽

Tamara Jovanović ◽

Bojana Đajić

Keyword(s):

Social Responsibility ◽

Ethical Climate ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

Ethical Dilemmas ◽

Well Being ◽

Working Environment ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

The Republic ◽

Organizational Ethical Climate ◽

Organizational Rules

The aim of the research was to determine the importance of organizational ethical climate and the levels of corruption for determining the methods of solving the four ethical dilemmas typical of the working environment – “truth versus loyalty”, “individual vs. community”, “short-term versus long-term” and “justice vs. mercy” (Kidder, 1995). On an ad hoc sample of 313 employees from different organizations in the Republic of Serbia, an online questionnaire was applied for data collecting on the perception of the organizational ethical climate, the tendency towards corruptive rationalizations as factors in choosing alternatives in solving ethical dilemmas at work. The findings indicate the importance of the perception of the egoistic ethical climate and the climate of social responsibility for the willingness of employees to be merciful when solving the dilemma “justice vs. mercy.” It was found that the egoistic ethical climate probably generates the acceptance of corruptive rationalizations that predict the acceptance of “mercy” towards those who steal the company’s assets. On the other hand, the climate of social responsibility influences the preference of employees for mercy for those who break the rules, most likely because employees develop the belief that well-being is important for both the company’s clients and colleagues, even when they violate organizational rules. It was concluded that the perception of the organizational ethical climate indirectly influences the manner of solving ethical dilemmas at work. This is probably done by generating personal beliefs in employees, which then influences the preference for solving the ethical dilemma with which these beliefs are in accordance.

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Chinese College Students' Stress and Anxiety Levels Under COVID-19

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.615390 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Huali Zhan ◽

Chunmei Zheng ◽

Xianqin Zhang ◽

Meng Yang ◽

Lin Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Principal Component ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Negative Experience ◽

Chinese College Students ◽

R Language ◽

Patient Health ◽

Returning To School

The outbreak of COVID-19 at the end of 2019 has had a significant impact on people. While attention is paid to the immense physical harm it has caused, the psychological impact should not be underestimated. The main purpose of this study was to explore the stress, anxiety, and depression levels of different groups of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an online questionnaire survey of college students by using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), and the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). A total of 1,586 questionnaires were collected and analyzed in R language. The results showed that students with moderate to severe stress (PSS-10 ≥ 14) accounted for 67.50%; the detection rate of depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) reached 43.77%; and 20.60% of students had anxiety (SAS standard score ≥ 50). There were significant differences in PSS-10/SAS among different genders, majors, whether returning to school or not, and those with different psychological experiences (negative or positive, P < 0.05). It is notable that the median of female, medical student, non-resumption of schooling, and negative experience was higher than that of positive experience (P < 0.05). The results of principal component analysis showed that there were significant differences in PHQ-9, PSS-10, and SAS between the resumption of schooling group and the non-resumption group. Therefore, it is inferred that the stress and anxiety level of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic is generally high, especially for those who have not yet resumed school. Long-term negative emotions can easily lead to serious mental diseases such as cognitive impairment. Education departments should attach great importance to the mental health of college students, and it is necessary to provide precise psychological interventions for groups experiencing greater pressure levels and marked anxiety and depression.

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The psychological impact of COVID-19 among a sample of Italian individuals with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

10.21203/rs.3.rs-47184/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Veronica Nisticò ◽

Orsola Gambini ◽

Raffaella Faggioli ◽

Benedetta Demartini

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

High Functioning Autism ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

High Functioning ◽

Post Traumatic

Abstract Aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression and symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) across a sample of 45 adult subjects with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HF-ASD) during the first two months of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, with respect to a sample of 45 healthy controls (HC). We also explored some specific aspects of their psychological well-being through an ad-hoc questionnaire. Our results showed subjects with HF-ASD to have higher rates of depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD related symptoms than HC during the first two months of COVID-19 pandemic. However, subjects with HF-ASD, with respect to HC, reported to feel subjectively more comfortable and less tired during the lockdown than before.

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Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) Lockdown on Mental Health and Well-Being in the United Arab Emirates

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.633230 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Leila Cheikh Ismail ◽

Maysm N. Mohamad ◽

Mo'ath F. Bataineh ◽

Abir Ajab ◽

Amina M. Al-Marzouqi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

United Arab Emirates ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

University Graduates ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Event Scale ◽

The Impact

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken unprecedented precautionary measures including complete lockdowns against COVID-19 to control its spread and ensure the well-being of individuals. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 and societal lockdown measures on the mental health of adults in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an English and Arabic online questionnaire between May and June 2020. The psychological impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the social and family support impact was evaluated using questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). A total of 4,426 participants (3,325 females and 1,101 males) completed the questionnaire. The mean IES-R score was 28.0 ± 14.6, reflecting a mild stressful impact with 27.3% reporting severe psychological impact. Over 36% reported increased stress from work, home and financial matters. Also, 43–63% of the participants felt horrified, apprehensive or helpless due to COVID-19. Females, younger participants, part-timers, and college or University graduates were more likely to have a high IES-R score (p < 0.05). The majority of participants reported receiving increased support from family members, paying more attention to their mental health, and spending more time to rest and relax. The results of this study demonstrate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among the UAE residents and highlight the need to adopt culturally appropriate interventions for the general population and vulnerable groups, such as females and younger adults.

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SOCIAL ISOLATION MEASUREMENT AND OLDER ADULT HEALTH: A REVIEW

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igz038.3050 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S827-S828

Author(s):

Janet S Pohl

Keyword(s):

Social Network ◽

Health Outcomes ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Older Adult ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

Well Being ◽

Adult Health ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Forward Movement ◽

Conceptual Clarity

Abstract The objectives were to examine social isolation research literature, investigate reports of associations with health, and explore the numerous approaches to operationalize social isolation in gerontological research. While associated with negative health outcomes and mortality, the interpretation of social isolation research is hampered by a lack of conceptual clarity and the use of numerous ad hoc measures of the concept. A systematic search was conducted for published empiric studies regarding social isolation health outcomes in older adult samples. The electronic databases: Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were utilized. Reports including social isolation as an independent variable and health outcomes at the individual level were extracted. Of 2,614 studies initially identified, 14 met study criteria. Study outcomes recognized smoking cessation, sleep disruption, inadequate diet, risk for malnutrition, health-related quality of life, subjective well-being, cognitive function, psychological distress, depression, functional decline, stroke, myocardial infarction, and mortality as related to social isolation. Measurement strategies revealed numerous definitions of social isolation reporting to evaluate objective and subjective social isolation, loneliness, engagement, social disconnectedness, and perceived isolation. Measures utilized: eight ad hoc, three versions of the Lubben Social Network Scale, two versions of the Social Network Index, and one question from the Rand Social Battery. Continuing to develop knowledge regarding the predictive power of social isolation on health is important for the care of older adults. Distinguishing social isolation from related but distinctly different social concepts will facilitate the forward movement of the science. Reliably measuring social isolation will enable the comparison of results across studies.

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The Impact of Social and Cultural Engagement and Dieting on Well-Being and Resilience in a Group of Residents in the Metropolitan Area of Naples

Journal of Aging Research ◽

10.1155/2016/4768420 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-11 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Antonio Rapacciuolo ◽

Pasquale Perrone Filardi ◽

Rosario Cuomo ◽

Vincenzo Mauriello ◽

Maria Quarto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Isolation ◽

Metropolitan Area ◽

Ad Hoc ◽

Premature Death ◽

Well Being ◽

Cultural Participation ◽

Adherence To Diet ◽

Negative Effect ◽

The Impact ◽

The Relationship

Social isolation and exclusion are associated with poor health status and premature death. A number of related isolation factors, inadequate transportation system and restrictions in individuals’ life space, have been associated with malnutrition in older adults. Since eating is a social event, isolation can have a negative effect on nutrition. Cultural involvement and participation in interactive activities are essential tools to fight social isolation, and they can counteract the detrimental effects of social isolation on health. To provide data supporting the hypothesis that encouraging participation might represent an innovative preventive and health promoting strategy for healthy living and aging, we developed anad hocquestionnaire to investigate the relationship between cultural participation, well-being, and resilience in a sample of residents in the metropolitan area of Naples. The questionnaire includes a question on adherence to diet or to a special nutritional regimen; in addition, the participants are asked to mention their height and weight. We investigated the relationship between BMI, adherence to diet, and perceived well-being (PWB) and resilience in a sample of 571 subjects over 60 years of age. Here, we present evidence that engagement into social and cultural activities is associated with higher well-being and resilience, in particular in females over 60 years of age.

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Psychological adjustment of Spanish adolescents and their parents during COVID-19 lockdown: A mixed method approach

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0255149 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (7) ◽

pp. e0255149

Author(s):

Silvia Postigo-Zegarra ◽

Martín Julián ◽

Konstanze Schoeps ◽

Inmaculada Montoya-Castilla

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Psychological Distress ◽

Social Isolation ◽

Psychological Adjustment ◽

Online Survey ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Well Being ◽

Difficult Situation ◽

Mixed Approach

Previous literature on the psychological impact of COVID-19 has shown a direct relationship between family conflicts and psychological distress among parents and their children during the domestic lockdown and social isolation; but there are also opportunities to enhance family bonding, encourage collective problem-solving and improve personal relationships. This study aimed to explore psychological adjustment processes of Spanish adolescents and their parents during the first month of lockdown by analyzing their narratives, perceived outcomes, protection and risk factors. A total of 142 people agreed to participate in this study. Of all participants, 61 were adolescents (M = 13.57; SD = 1.74; 57% women) and 81 were parents (M = 46.09; SD = 4.72; 91% mothers). All were Spanish residents and completed an online survey during the domestic lockdown in March 2020. From a qualitative design, methodology followed a mixed approach to analyze data. The results showed three different types of adaptation to lockdown and social isolation in both adolescents and their parents: 1) positive adjustment, 2) moderate adjustment, and 3) maladjustment. Most participants reported a good adjustment and only a 20% of parents and a 16% of adolescents stated that they had not been able to achieve a positive psychological adjustment. There are few significant quantitative differences between adolescents and their parents. The qualitative analysis of data showed that adolescents reported less psychological distress than their parents. The two most important protective factors were social support and keeping busy during lockdown. The most significant risk factors were loss of mobility and social isolation. The conclusions stressed that regarding psychological maladjustment, parents experienced feelings of uncertainty whereas adolescents experienced a kind of mourning process. These findings can be used to design and implement effective intervention measures for mental health and psychological well-being in such a difficult situation as domestic lockdown.

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Psychological Impact of the Lockdown in Italy Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak: Are There Gender Differences?

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.567470 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Nadia Rania ◽

Ilaria Coppola

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Gender Differences ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Living Alone ◽

Normative Sample ◽

Political Decision ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Psychological Dimension

The COVID-19 emergency has hit the whole world, finding all countries unprepared to face it. The first studies focused on the medical aspects, neglecting the psychological dimension of the populations that were forced to face changes in everyday life and in some cases to stay forcedly at home in order to reduce contagion. The present research was carried out in Italy, one of the countries hardest hit by the pandemic. The aim was to analyze the perception of happiness, mental health, and the sense of loneliness experienced by adults during the lockdown due to the COVID pandemic. Specifically, the variables will be examined in relation to gender difference, living alone, with partner, or with partner and children. The research followed a quantitative approach using an online questionnaire. The project involved 1100 subjects from whom 721 participants (75.5% women) were extrapolated. Of them, 17.3% claimed to live alone, 39.5% with their partner, and 43.1% with their partner and children. The results show that people in general experienced a lower level of happiness and mental health and higher levels of loneliness compared to normative sample. The lockdown and pandemic condition due to COVID-19 seems to have canceled the gender differences in the perception of happiness and mental health, while it seems to have increased the perception of loneliness experienced by males compared to the pre-pandemic condition. In addition, those who lived alone perceived a greater level of loneliness than those who lived with their partner or partner and children. Unexpectedly, no significant differences emerged regarding the level of happiness and mental health between those who had direct contact with the virus and those who did not. These data should make political decision-makers reflect on the need to pay more attention to the implications that such drastic measures as a lockdown can have on people’s psychological well-being.

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COVID-19 and radiotherapy: impact on work and personal life of Lombardy residents during first lockdown, survey endorsed by AIRO Young

Tumori Journal ◽

10.1177/03008916211000826 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 030089162110008

Author(s):

Giulia Corrao ◽

Luca Bergamaschi ◽

Mattia Zaffaroni ◽

Iacopo Cavallo ◽

Giulia Marvaso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Relationships ◽

Health Risks ◽

Nasal Swab ◽

National Level ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Multiple Choice Questions ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Almost All ◽

Excessive Stress

Aim: Since 20 February 2020, Lombardy has been one of the most affected areas worldwide by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of this study is to evaluate work and psychological impact of COVID-19 on Lombardy radiation therapy (RT) residents in the first 3 months of the outbreak (first lockdown). Methods: An online questionnaire (22 multiple choice questions) via Microsoft Forms was administered on 30 May 2020 to RT residents. Results: Nineteen Lombardy RT residents responded to the survey. Nineteen percent of residents underwent a nasal swab and 11% were quarantined. Seventeen residents (89%) reported an increase in workload. Twelve residents (63%) did not find any difference in terms of work distress; worsening was highlighted in 5 cases (26%). The majority has never considered the possibility of stopping work due to excessive stress (89%). Almost all the residents experienced self- or relative-referred apprehension (95%). Ninety-five percent reported having missed extra-work social relationships. Most of the sample noted worsening sleep quality and difficulty concentrating (69%). No residents requested psychological support, even if provided by the hospital. Conclusion: Overall, the residents adapted to the new workplace scenario, although some health risks and well-being challenges have been reported. An extension of the survey to all Italian RT residents endorsed by Italian Association of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology “Young AIRO” will allow an evaluation of COVID-19 impact on a national level. A second survey is planned to underline differences between the first lockdown and the current situation of the pandemic.

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