As Time goes by: A Longitudinal Study on the Mental Health of Argentinians during the COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 mitigation measures such as lockdown and social distancing could have a negative impact on mental health. Understanding their impact is essential to minimize adverse effects on individuals, families, and communities. This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate the emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and social isolation in the Argentinian population over time. An online survey evaluating anxiety and depression symptoms, positive affect, and negative affect, was completed by 3,833 people at three different time points: immediately after the lockdown began, 12–15 days after the first assessment, and after 47–51 days. Various socio-demographic factors were considered. A series of mixed repeated-measures ANOVAs were performed, with results showing significant increases over time (with small effect sizes) in anxiety, depression, negative affect, and a decrease in positive affect. Some socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, number of children, and educational level differentially affected these changes. These results suggest that mental health and quality of life were negatively affected, making it essential to monitor emotional distress and other mental health problems in the population and encourage the implementation of support and containment devices to cope with these adverse effects. © 2023, Associação Brasileira de Psicologia.

Are our children engaged with school in the era of covid-19?

During 2020 the health situation linked to the COVID-19 has led to the suspension of face-to-face classes in almost all of the Argentine territory. Different distance-learning resources were developed to replace traditional classes. The aim of this study was to assess the school engagement (SE) of Argentinian children and adolescents aged 3 to 18 in the distance schooling context due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to analyze its variability based on socioeconomic status, gender, educational level and movement restriction measures. Caregivers of 1205 children and adolescents (47,5% females, 51,8% males, 0,7% trans/non-binary) answered an online survey between June 5 and June 28, 2020. The survey included an SE questionnaire which was adapted to the virtual schooling context and showed adequate psychometric properties. The results showed higher values of behavioral SE in comparison to emotional SE, and differences according to the variables measured. Less general SE in students attending second cycle of primary school (9 to 12 years), higher behavioral SE in secondary school students, and higher emotional SE in preschool children was found. Girls and students of the upper-middle and upper classes who attend private schools reported higher levels of SE in both dimensions. Also, lower SE was found in students under isolation measures, comparing to those under distancing measures. The contribution of the results for the analysis of the current situation is discussed, and the importance of school engagement as a central variable to assess the effectiveness of the educational practices in a pandemic context is highlighted. © 2021, Universitatea din Oradea. All rights reserved.

Intolerance of uncertainty over covid-19 pandemic and its effect on anxiety and depressive symptoms

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an unprecedented uncertain situation. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of intolerance of uncertainty over COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depressive symptoms during quarantine. The study was conducted with 3805 Argentinean participants, who filled the Beck Depression Inventory, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a modified version of the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale. Regression analyses indicated a significant effect of intolerance of uncertainty on anxiety and on depressive symptoms. A minor effect of age and gender was also found. Young women with greater intolerance of uncertainty showed the highest levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Even though uncertainty distress is an understandable reaction to the current situation, these psychological effects should be monitored. © 2020, Sociedad Interamericana de Psicologia. All rights reserved.