Examining relationships between behavior, social environment, and trait factors on mood and anxiety state during social isolation and pseudo-confinement

Abstract

Background:Extended duration in isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments like space can have detrimental impacts on behavioral health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, large portions of the public were required to social distance, presenting unique circumstances of social isolation and pseudo-confinement. Methods:An internet-based survey was conducted from April to December 2020 of individuals (N = 39 participants, n=1302 survey entries) social distancing. Explanatory multi-level models were constructed to examine relationships between well-being state (anxiety, mood) and observed traits/mental health background, behaviors, and social environment. Results:Significant factors (p < 0.1) with protective relationships to well-being state (decreased anxiety, increased positive mood) included: mood level trait, self-perceived extroversion, hours of sleep, number of meals, time spent outdoors, time spent exercising, time spent on video games, and living alone. Factors with significant protective relationships to anxiety alone included: self-perceived introversion, being required to social distance, and time spent on cooking. Conversely, significant factors with risk relationships to well-being state (increased anxiety, decrease mood) included: time spent on schoolwork and living with individuals who were not family or friends; number of adults in the residence had a significant risk relationship to anxiety alone. Trait measures had the largest effect sizes (self-perceived extroversion explained the largest percentage of variance in outcomes), while behavioral and social environment factors had relatively small effect sizes. Discussion:Trait measures continue to be dominant in gauging potential resilience to ICE conditions, but the protective relationships observed from behavioral and social factors warrant continued exploration and personalization per individual. Statistical significance should not be equated to practical relevance. The relationships examined can inform the development, prioritization, and personalization of behavioral health tools for civilians in ICE environments on Earth and future spaceflight missions.