ABSTRACT
Individual differences in avoidant coping were hypothesized to exacerbate quality of life impairment associated with somatization and illness anxiety symptoms; psychological flexibility was expected to moderate this impairment. Individuals from a random community sample ( N = 298; 182 females), who met screening criteria for somatization and illness anxiety, reported lower quality of life and psychological flexibility and greater avoidant coping compared to controls. Psychological flexibility significantly moderated the impact of somatization and illness anxiety on quality of life domains. Findings suggest that decreasing avoidant coping through therapy may be promising in mitigating the negative impact of these symptom categories.
Subject(s)
Adaptation, Psychological , Quality of Life/psychology , Sick Role , Somatoform Disorders/psychology , Adult , Anxiety Disorders/psychology , Defense Mechanisms , Female , Humans , Hypochondriasis/psychology , Individuality , Male , Middle Aged , Young AdultABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to examine the relation between the public perceptions and reactions to the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) in Crete, Greece. It was conducted in two phases: at the early phase of the outbreak and during the peak. The Common Sense Model was used as an appropriate theoretical framework. Participants were 273 healthy adults. Perceptions, especially perceived control and emotions, were related to protective behaviours, infection management behaviours and detachment at both phases of the study and also predicted follow-up reactions. Moreover, emotions predicted changes in behaviour and moderated the effects of several perceptions on pandemic-related behaviour.
