The COVID-19 Outbreak and Psychological Distress in Healthcare Workers: The Role of Personality Traits, Attachment Styles, and Sociodemographic Factors

Cristina Mazza,Paolo Roma,Eleonora Ricci,Lilybeth Fontanesi,Marco Colasanti,Serena Di Giandomenico,Daniela Marchetti,Stefano Ferracuti,Maria Cristina Verrocchio

doi:10.3390/su13094992

Abstract

The COVID-19 outbreak has exposed healthcare professionals (HPs) to increased workloads and a high risk of contagion. The present study aimed at examining the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of HPs in Italy, investigating the role of attachment style, personality traits, and sociodemographic variables. An online survey was administered from 18 to 22 March 2020. Respondents were 296 HPs (77% female, 23% male; aged 21–77 years). The measures employed were a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Personality Inventory for DSM-5-BF (PID-5-BF), the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale–21 (DASS-21). The findings showed that PID-5-BF Negative Affect, female gender, and ASQ Preoccupation with Relationships predicted high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, respectively. Furthermore, PID-5-BF Detachment predicted higher psychological distress, as captured in the DASS-21 total score and DASS-21 Depression score, and having an infected loved one was associated with high psychological distress. Overall, the results suggest that HPs are experiencing high rates of psychological distress during the pandemic, and that specific attachment styles and personality traits might be useful in identifying those at greatest risk for developing mental health symptoms.

Highlights

IntroductionOn 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease
On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern
Regarding DASS-21 Anxiety, Table 4 presents the statistically significant differences found. No such differences were observed for educational level (X2 = 3.43; p = 0.180), employment status (X2 = 0.33; p = 0.568), region of residence (X2 = 1.42; p = 0.493), infected acquaintances (X2 = 0.19; p = 0.666), infected loved ones (X2 = 3.48; p = 0.062), history of stressful situations (X2 = 0.11; p = 0.743), history of medical problems (X2 = 1.07; p = 0.301), marital status (X2 = 5.29; p = 0.071), spending social distancing period with others or alone (X2 = 1.56; p = 0.211), psychological support or psychotherapy (X2 = 1.12; p = 0.290), Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) Relationships as Secondary (F = 0.94; p = 0.332), PID-5-BF Antagonism (F = 2.73; p = 0.100), or PID-5-BF Disinhibition (F = 0.54; p = 0.462)

Summary

Introduction

On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus disease. 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern. Many governments issued exceptional measures to reduce the spread of the virus, including lockdowns, curfews, and social distancing [1]. According to the literature [2,3,4,5], the ongoing pandemic and its related protective measures have had a negative impact on the mental health of the general population, in the form of increased psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, as well as sleep disturbance, parental exhaustion, and suicidality. Researchers have sought to identify factors associated with negative mental health outcomes during the pandemic. While some studies have yielded contradictory results, a recent meta-analysis indicated that female gender, younger age, lower socioeconomic status, rural residency, and a history of specific medical conditions 4.0/).

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion