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The COVID-19 Outbreak and Psychological Distress in Healthcare Workers: The Role of Personality Traits, Attachment Styles, and Sociodemographic Factors

Author

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  • Cristina Mazza

    (Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
    Authors contributed to the paper equally.)

  • Marco Colasanti

    (Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
    Authors contributed to the paper equally.)

  • Eleonora Ricci

    (Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Serena Di Giandomenico

    (Department of Humanities, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61029 Urbino, Italy)

  • Daniela Marchetti

    (Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Lilybeth Fontanesi

    (Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Maria Cristina Verrocchio

    (Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy)

  • Stefano Ferracuti

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Paolo Roma

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed healthcare professionals (HPs) to increased workloads and a high risk of contagion. The present study aimed at examining the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of HPs in Italy, investigating the role of attachment style, personality traits, and sociodemographic variables. An online survey was administered from 18 to 22 March 2020. Respondents were 296 HPs (77% female, 23% male; aged 21–77 years). The measures employed were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-BF (PID-5-BF), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21). The findings showed that PID-5-BF Negative Affect, female gender, and ASQ Preoccupation with Relationships predicted high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Furthermore, PID-5-BF Detachment predicted higher psychological distress, as captured in the DASS-21 total score and DASS-21 Depression score, and having an infected loved one was associated with high psychological distress. Overall, the results suggest that HPs are experiencing high rates of psychological distress during the pandemic, and that specific attachment styles and personality traits might be useful in identifying those at greatest risk for developing mental health symptoms.

Suggested Citation

  • Cristina Mazza & Marco Colasanti & Eleonora Ricci & Serena Di Giandomenico & Daniela Marchetti & Lilybeth Fontanesi & Maria Cristina Verrocchio & Stefano Ferracuti & Paolo Roma, 2021. "The COVID-19 Outbreak and Psychological Distress in Healthcare Workers: The Role of Personality Traits, Attachment Styles, and Sociodemographic Factors," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-14, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:9:p:4992-:d:546045
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    1. Valentina Fietta & Francesca Bertoldo & Lorenzo Gasperi & Cristina Mazza & Paolo Roma & Merylin Monaro, 2023. "The Role of Work Engagement in Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic among Mental Healthcare Workers: An Italian Study to Improve Work Sustainability during Emergency Situations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-16, February.

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