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Tendency to Worry and Fear of Mental Health during Italy’s COVID-19 Lockdown

Author

Listed:
  • Chiara Baiano

    (Laboratory of Developmental Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy)

  • Isa Zappullo

    (Laboratory of Developmental Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy)

  • the LabNPEE Group

    (Laboratory of Developmental Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
    The LabNPEE group includes Gianluca Di Mauro, Martina Petra, Marta Piacenti, Barbara Rauso.)

  • Massimiliano Conson

    (Laboratory of Developmental Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy)

Abstract

Background: We tested whether the tendency to worry could affect psychological responses to quarantine by capitalizing on the opportunity of having collected data before the COVID-19 outbreak on measures of worry, anxiety, and trait mindfulness in a group of university students. Methods: Twenty-five participants completed self-report measures assessing worry (Penn State Worry Questionnaire, PSWQ), anxiety (Anxiety Sensitivity Index, ASI-3), and trait mindfulness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, MAAS) at T0 (pre-lockdown, 4 November 2019–17 February 2020) and T1 (at the end of lockdown, 26 April–30 April 2020). We compared assessments at the two time points in the whole sample and in high and low worriers (defined at T0 by scores on PSWQ respectively above and below 1.5 SD from mean of the Italian normative sample). Outcomes: High worriers showed at T1 a significant increase of anxiety sensitivity and fear of mental health in comparison to low worriers. Moreover, in the whole sample, at T1 trait mindfulness was inversely related to worry and fear of mental health. Interpretation: A valuable approach to support individuals experiencing anxiety related to the COVID-19 outbreak could be represented by mindfulness-based interventions improving the ability to focus attention and awareness on the present moment.

Suggested Citation

  • Chiara Baiano & Isa Zappullo & the LabNPEE Group & Massimiliano Conson, 2020. "Tendency to Worry and Fear of Mental Health during Italy’s COVID-19 Lockdown," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-8, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:16:p:5928-:d:399409
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ankica Kosic & Tamara Džamonja Ignjatović & Nebojša Petrović, 2021. "A Cross-Cultural Study of Distress during COVID-19 Pandemic: Some Protective and Risk Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Alessandra Accoto & Salvatore Gaetano Chiarella & Antonino Raffone & Antonella Montano & Adriano de Marco & Francesco Mainiero & Roberta Rubbino & Alessandro Valzania & David Conversi, 2021. "Beneficial Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training on the Well-Being of a Female Sample during the First Total Lockdown Due to COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-18, May.
    3. Dina Di Giacomo & Alessandra Martelli & Federica Guerra & Federica Cielo & Jessica Ranieri, 2021. "Mediator Effect of Affinity for E-Learning on Mental Health: Buffering Strategy for the Resilience of University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-12, July.
    4. Maria Pia Riccio & Melissa Borrelli & Maria Teresa Fioretti & Margherita Del Bene & Carmela Bravaccio & Marco Poeta & Francesca Santamaria, 2020. "Is Quarantine for COVID-19 Pandemic Associated with Psychological Burden in Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-13, November.
    5. Annunziata Romeo & Agata Benfante & Lorys Castelli & Marialaura Di Tella, 2021. "Psychological Distress among Italian University Students Compared to General Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-8, March.
    6. Sahar Amoury Naddaf & Shiri Lavy, 2023. "Character Strengths’ Change During COVID-19," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 185-210, January.
    7. Liang Zhao & Yukun Zhao & Yiwen Wu & Xiaojun Ding & Feng Yu & Kaiping Peng, 2022. "Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic upon Chinese Positive Traits," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-19, October.
    8. Alessio Matiz & Franco Fabbro & Andrea Paschetto & Damiano Cantone & Anselmo Roberto Paolone & Cristiano Crescentini, 2020. "Positive Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Mental Health of Female Teachers during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-22, September.
    9. Federica Cielo & Randi Ulberg & Dina Di Giacomo, 2021. "Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Mental Health Outcomes among Youth: A Rapid Narrative Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-15, June.

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