Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of restrictions and concerns related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on depression, anxiety, and committed action, and examine whether posttraumatic growth (PTG) serves as a protective factor for mental health. In particular, this study evaluated the moderating effects of PTG on the changes in levels of anxiety, depression, and committed action according to changes in COVID-19-related restrictions and concerns using a short-term longitudinal design. The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory was administered to 100 adults with significant traumatic experience living in the Republic of Korea, and the participants were asked to complete diary questionnaires on anxiety, depression, committed action, and restrictions and concerns pertaining to COVID-19. The results showed that anxiety and depression decreased, and committed action increased with an increase in PTG. These results highlight a complex relationship between restrictions and concerns related to COVID-19 and psychological health; based on the results, we discussed the positive impact of PTG on psychological health.
Highlights
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been posing a significant threat to public health worldwide since the end of 2019
What factors serve as a buffer against the adverse effects of COVID-19-related restrictions and concerns on mental health? In this study, we focus on posttraumatic growth (PTG), a coping mechanism developed following trauma experienced in the past, in examining receptive attitudes and flexible responses to stressful situations related to COVID-19
This study aimed to investigate how PTG acted as a buffer against the psychological impact of the restrictions and concerns related to COVID-19 using a short-term longitudinal design
Summary
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been posing a significant threat to public health worldwide since the end of 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the disease a pandemic, and owing to the spread of variants, rigorous and prolonged social distancing practices have been imposed across nations. Many people have been suffering from fear of infection as well as psychological distress, such as frustration over job loss, financial hardship, and depression and helplessness due to alienation and social distancing (Wang et al, 2020). The K-Quarantine was loosened as COVID-19 prolonged. This led to the third wave of the virus infections in November 2020 (The Korea Herald, 2020). It took more than 80 days for the country to see its virus caseload increase from 20,000 to 30,000. Social distancing was strengthened, such as only take-out possible at cafes, and “Corona Red,” that is, anger and frustration, grew beyond “Corona Blue.”
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