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The Fear of COVID-19: Gender Differences among Italian Health Volunteers

Author

Listed:
  • Jessica Burrai

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Alessandro Quaglieri

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Umberto Aitella

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Clarissa Cricenti

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Ivan D’Alessio

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Alessandra Pizzo

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Giulia Lausi

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Anna Maria Giannini

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Emanuela Mari

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the fear of being infected was a major concern, resulting in both physical and psychological effects. Despite several studies on fear of COVID-19 in the general population, the effects on healthy volunteers who face COVID-19 on the frontlines have not yet been investigated. Methods: An online survey on specific psychological variables related to COVID-19 was administered to 720 healthy volunteers, and gender differences were investigated. Results: The primary finding was that females showed higher scores in all dimensions assessed. A multiple linear regression conducted on both genders exhibited a similar pattern of predictors, highlighting the pivotal role of negative affect in the male group. Conclusions: The findings suggest that COVID-19 had significant effects on healthy volunteers, especially in the female group. Although the previous literature did not report the crucial role played by the negative affect in the male sample, these results highlight the need to deepen how both genders use different emotional strategies to cope with stressful situations. This study may be useful in the development of specific psychological support and ad hoc training for healthy volunteers.

Suggested Citation

  • Jessica Burrai & Alessandro Quaglieri & Umberto Aitella & Clarissa Cricenti & Ivan D’Alessio & Alessandra Pizzo & Giulia Lausi & Anna Maria Giannini & Emanuela Mari, 2022. "The Fear of COVID-19: Gender Differences among Italian Health Volunteers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-18, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:11:p:6369-:d:822652
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    7. Jessica Burrai & Benedetta Barchielli & Clarissa Cricenti & Anna Borrelli & Sabina D’Amato & Massimo Santoro & Margherita Vitale & Stefano Ferracuti & Anna Maria Giannini & Alessandro Quaglieri, 2021. "Older Adolescents Who Did or Did Not Experience COVID-19 Symptoms: Associations with Mental Health, Risk Perception and Social Connection," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-12, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Agnieszka Lasota, 2023. "Crisis Experience and Purpose in Life in Men and Women: The Mediating Effect of Gratitude and Fear of COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(15), pages 1-14, August.
    2. Benedetta Barchielli & Clarissa Cricenti & Francesca Gallè & Elita Anna Sabella & Fabrizio Liguori & Giovanna Da Molin & Giorgio Liguori & Giovanni Battista Orsi & Anna Maria Giannini & Stefano Ferrac, 2022. "Climate Changes, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Russian-Ukrainian War: What Is the Impact on Habits Change and Mental Health?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-18, September.

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