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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2020

Open Access 01-12-2020 | COVID-19 | Research article

Coping style, social support and psychological distress in the general Chinese population in the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic

Authors: Hua Yu, Mingli Li, Zhixiong Li, Weiyi Xiang, Yiwen Yuan, Yaya Liu, Zhe Li, Zhenzhen Xiong

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological status of the general population in mainland China during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to explore the factors influencing psychological distress, in order to provide the basis for further psychological intervention programs.

Methods

We administered three questionnaires on-line to a convenience sample of the general population from different regions of mainland China from February 1 to February 4, 2020. We used the Mandarin versions of the six-item Kessler psychological distress scale (K6), the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS). We also collected demographic data and other information related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing psychological distress.

Results

Of 1607 respondents, 1588 returned valid questionnaires and were included in the analysis. Nearly one quarter (22.8%) had high levels of psychological distress (K6 score ≥ 13). Individuals with higher psychological distress were more likely to be unmarried, spend more than 6 h per day searching for information about COVID-19, more frequently adopt a passive coping style, and report less social support than those with lower psychological distress.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 outbreak in China has a great impact on the mental health status of the general population. Active coping strategies and increased social support are significantly correlated with decreased psychological distress, and may serve as the basis for psychological interventions.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Coping style, social support and psychological distress in the general Chinese population in the early stages of the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors
Hua Yu
Mingli Li
Zhixiong Li
Weiyi Xiang
Yiwen Yuan
Yaya Liu
Zhe Li
Zhenzhen Xiong
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Keyword
COVID-19
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-020-02826-3

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