Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in psychological distress among individuals around the world (Saddik et al., 2021) (Ting et al., 2021.) Rumination is a factor in increased distress caused by the pandemic. Rumination about COVID-19 may be related to the contraction and transmission of the virus. Previous literature suggests that rumination about COVID-19 increases anxiety symptoms (Jamieson, D., et al, 2021.) However, it is unknown whether time thinking about COVID-19 impacts this relationship uniquely and directly as well.
A sample of 225 undergraduate psychology students completed an online survey in April 2020 evaluating rumination, time spent thinking about COVID-19, and symptoms of anxiety. Rumination was assessed using the rumination subscale of the Regulation of Emotion Systems Survey (RESS). Anxiety symptom severity over the past 2 weeks was measured using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire.
A linear regression analysis tested the relationship between rumination, time thinking about COVID-19 and anxiety. Results indicated that both rumination, B = .44, p < .001, and time spent thinking about COVID-19, B = 1.05, p = .001, predicted the severity of anxiety symptoms. Our results suggest that the tendency to ruminate and time spent thinking about COVID-19 are related to increased anxiety symptoms. Understanding how COVID-19 impacts the psychological mind can aid in targeting this issue in therapy. The current study suggests that limiting one’s time thinking about COVID-19 may reduce anxiety. Remaining self-aware of the relationships between rumination and negative feelings about COVID-19 may improve one’s quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Nathan Hager, Alicia Kruzelock
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Clinical Psychology | Psychology
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons @ Perry Library
Start Date
3-19-2022 9:00 AM
End Date
3-19-2022 11:00 AM
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The Relationship Between Rumination of COVID-19 and Anxiety Levels
Learning Commons @ Perry Library
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in psychological distress among individuals around the world (Saddik et al., 2021) (Ting et al., 2021.) Rumination is a factor in increased distress caused by the pandemic. Rumination about COVID-19 may be related to the contraction and transmission of the virus. Previous literature suggests that rumination about COVID-19 increases anxiety symptoms (Jamieson, D., et al, 2021.) However, it is unknown whether time thinking about COVID-19 impacts this relationship uniquely and directly as well.
A sample of 225 undergraduate psychology students completed an online survey in April 2020 evaluating rumination, time spent thinking about COVID-19, and symptoms of anxiety. Rumination was assessed using the rumination subscale of the Regulation of Emotion Systems Survey (RESS). Anxiety symptom severity over the past 2 weeks was measured using the seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire.
A linear regression analysis tested the relationship between rumination, time thinking about COVID-19 and anxiety. Results indicated that both rumination, B = .44, p < .001, and time spent thinking about COVID-19, B = 1.05, p = .001, predicted the severity of anxiety symptoms. Our results suggest that the tendency to ruminate and time spent thinking about COVID-19 are related to increased anxiety symptoms. Understanding how COVID-19 impacts the psychological mind can aid in targeting this issue in therapy. The current study suggests that limiting one’s time thinking about COVID-19 may reduce anxiety. Remaining self-aware of the relationships between rumination and negative feelings about COVID-19 may improve one’s quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.