Psychological responses to the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine in Colombian population

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the perceived stress, coping strategies, emotional regulation, impact of the event, and psychological distress during quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic in the Colombian population. Method: Non-probabilistic sample made up of 356 adults who answered an online questionnaire. Results: It was found medium and high scores in active coping strategies and emotional regulation, and low scores in stress, psychological distress and impact of quarantine. The 38.76 % presented scores that indicate risk of post-traumatic stress disorder. Women, people under 35 years of age, high school graduates, students, and living alone during the quarantine showed higher affectation. Statistically significant correlations of stress with all variables except with social support and cohabitants during quarantine were found. Finally, it was found a positive association of stress with venting, expressive suppression, the impact of quarantine, and psychological distress, and negative association with planning, acceptance, cognitive reappraisal, and age over 25 years. Conclusions: These results contribute to understanding responses to quarantine and to identify vulnerability factors to design prevention and intervention programs. © 2022 Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz.