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Impact of Stress during COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: A Study on Dispositional and Behavioral Dimensions for Supporting Evidence-Based Targeted Strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Giuseppe Alessio Platania

    (Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Simone Varrasi

    (Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Claudia Savia Guerrera

    (Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Francesco Maria Boccaccio

    (Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Vittoria Torre

    (Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy)

  • Venera Francesca Vezzosi

    (Unità Operativa Complessa di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Presidio Ospedaliero di Acireale, ASP 3 Catania, 95024 Acireale, Italy)

  • Concetta Pirrone

    (Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
    These authors also contributed equally to this work.)

  • Sabrina Castellano

    (Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
    These authors also contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused critical mental health issues and lifestyle disruptions. The aim of this study was to explore, during the lockdown of second-wave contagions in Italy, how stress was affected by dispositional (personality factors and intolerance to uncertainty) and behavioral (coping strategies) dimensions, how these variables differed among sex, age, educational, professional, and health groups, and how the various changes in work and daily routine intervened in the psychological impact of the emergency. Our results highlight that women, the youngs, students/trainees, those with chronic diseases, those who stopped their jobs due to restrictions, and those who left home less than twice a week were more stressed, while health professionals showed lower levels of the same construct. Those with higher levels of stress used more coping strategies based on avoidance, which positively correlated with age, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and intolerance to uncertainty, and negatively with openness. Stress levels also positively correlated with agreeableness, conscientiousness, intolerance to uncertainty, and seeking of social support, and negatively with openness, a positive attitude, and a transcendent orientation. Finally, stress was predicted mainly by behavioral dimensions. Our results are discussed and framed within the literature, as important insights for targeted intervention strategies to promote health even in emergencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuseppe Alessio Platania & Simone Varrasi & Claudia Savia Guerrera & Francesco Maria Boccaccio & Vittoria Torre & Venera Francesca Vezzosi & Concetta Pirrone & Sabrina Castellano, 2024. "Impact of Stress during COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy: A Study on Dispositional and Behavioral Dimensions for Supporting Evidence-Based Targeted Strategies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(3), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:3:p:330-:d:1355467
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ann Pearman & MacKenzie L Hughes & Emily L Smith & Shevaun D Neupert & Amy Fiske, 2021. "Age Differences in Risk and Resilience Factors in COVID-19-Related Stress," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 76(2), pages 38-44.
    2. Esteban Correa-Agudelo & Tesfaye B. Mersha & Adam J. Branscum & Neil J. MacKinnon & Diego F. Cuadros, 2021. "Identification of Vulnerable Populations and Areas at Higher Risk of COVID-19-Related Mortality during the Early Stage of the Epidemic in the United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-13, April.
    3. Netta Achdut & Tehila Refaeli, 2020. "Unemployment and Psychological Distress among Young People during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Psychological Resources and Risk Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-21, September.
    4. Marinella Coco & Claudia Savia Guerrera & Giuseppe Santisi & Febronia Riggio & Roberta Grasso & Donatella Di Corrado & Santo Di Nuovo & Tiziana Ramaci, 2021. "Psychosocial Impact and Role of Resilience on Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-9, June.
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