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Open Access 01-12-2022 | COVID-19 | Research

Civic engagement and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Rachel J. Topazian, Adam S. Levine, Emma E. McGinty, Colleen L. Barry, Hahrie Han

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

To examine the relationship between civic association participation and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly whether different forms of engagement mitigate the increased rates of psychological distress throughout 2020.

Methods

Panel survey data collected from a nationally representative cohort of 1222 U.S. adults. Data was collected in three waves in April, July, and November 2020. Psychological distress was measured using the validated Kessler-6 instrument in November 2020.

Results

Respondents belonging to political associations were more likely to experience psychological distress (difference in predicted level of psychological distress on a 0-1 scale: 0.098, p ≤ .05) relative to those in unknown associations. However, individuals in political associations who more frequently interacted with others had lower levels of psychological distress (−.065, p ≤ .05) compared to those in political associations with less frequent interactions.

Conclusions

Civic engagement that facilitates interpersonal interactions may protect against psychological distress.

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Title: Civic engagement and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rachel J. Topazian
Adam S. Levine
Emma E. McGinty
Colleen L. Barry
Hahrie Han
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: COVID-19
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13289-4

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Springer Medicine

Civic engagement and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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Abstract

Background

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Results

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