Short-Term Analysis (8 Weeks) of Social Distancing and Isolation on Mental Health and Physical Activity Behavior During COVID-19

Frontiers in Psychology

article

Jessica Ann Peterson¹  Grant Chesbro²  Rebecca Larson²  Daniel Larson³  Christopher D. Black¹ 

[1] Sensory and Muscle Function Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, United States;Body Composition and Human Performance Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, United States;Sports Performance and Sports Business Analytics, Department of Health and Exercise Science, University of Oklahoma, United States

关键词: coronavirus;    depression;    anxiety;    mood;    loneliness;    exercise;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2021.652086

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cities and states adopted social distancing, social isolation, or quarantine measurements to slow the transmission of the disease. Negative mental health outcomes including depression and anxiety have been associated with social distancing or social isolation. The purpose of the present study was to examine changes in psychological health and physical activity over an 8 week period under social distancing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Ninety (73.3% female; age 32.04 ± 11.33) individuals participated in this study. Qualifying participants answered questions using an online survey regarding their loneliness, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, mood state, and physical activity over four time points each lasting two weeks. Results: Symptoms of depression and state anxiety were increased in the population when compared to nationwide statistics from before the COVID-19 pandemic. Time point 2, ~1 month into social isolation, showed the most significant effects on mental health. During this time point, 100% of the participants showed symptoms of depression. There were no significant changes in physical activity over the 8 weeks. Loneliness, depressive symptoms, fatigue, and mood state were negatively associated with participation in physical activity. Vigor and state anxiety were associated with participation in physical activity. Conclusion: Social isolation and social distancing practices have had a negative effect on depression, anxiety, and mood over time. It appeared that depressive symptoms and total mood disturbance was elevated during time point two. Depressive symptoms were much higher than average compared to previous epidemiological data. Physical activity amount did not change over time but was associated with poor mental health.

【 授权许可】

CC BY