Transdiagnostic mechanisms of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: associations of childhood trauma, maladaptive personality traits, emotion regulation, mentalizing, and pandemic-related distress
2024

Mental Health Factors During COVID-19

Sample size: 6451 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Holl Julia, Berning Anna, Kling Laura, Taubner Svenja, Georg Anna K., Volkert Jana

Primary Institution: University Heidelberg

Hypothesis

The study aims to examine the associations of childhood trauma, maladaptive personality traits, emotion regulation, mentalizing, and pandemic-related distress with psychopathological symptoms.

Conclusion

The study found significant associations between childhood trauma, maladaptive personality traits, and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Supporting Evidence

  • Childhood trauma is a significant risk factor for increased psychological distress during the pandemic.
  • Maladaptive personality traits are associated with higher levels of pandemic-related distress.
  • Emotion dysregulation mediates the relationship between maladaptive personality traits and psychological symptoms.

Takeaway

This study shows that people who had tough childhoods and certain personality traits might feel more stressed during the pandemic, and learning to manage emotions better could help them.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study design using self-report instruments and structural equation modeling for data analysis.

Potential Biases

The sample may be biased due to self-selection, with a higher education level and female ratio compared to the general population.

Limitations

The study's cross-sectional design limits causal interpretations, and the reliance on self-report measures may introduce recall bias.

Participant Demographics

Mean age 44.1 years; 69.1% female, 30.3% male, 0.01% diverse.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1427469

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication