Index Entries

Christoph Benke, Lara K. Autenrieth, Eva Asselmann, and Christiane A. Pané-Farré
September 18, 2020
Psychiatry Research
Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps University of Marburg (Germany)

"Abstract

... In this study, we investigated the role of sociodemographic and COVID-19 related factors for immediate mental health consequences in a nationwide community sample of adults from Germany (N = 4335). Specifically, we examined the effects of different forms and levels of restriction resulting from public health measures (e.g. quarantine, stay-at-home order) on anxiety and depression symptomatology, health anxiety, loneliness, the occurrence of fearful spells, psychosocial distress and life-satisfaction. We found that higher restrictions due to lockdown measures, a greater reduction of social contacts and greater perceived changes in life were associated with higher mental health impairments. Importantly, a subjectively assumed but not an officially announced stay-at-home order was associated with poorer mental health. Our findings underscore the importance of adequate risk communication and targeted mental health recommendations especially for vulnerable groups during these challenging times."

document
COVID-19,lockdowns,mental health