Psychologists launch study as they predict rising levels of depression
PSYCHOLOGISTS FROM the University of Sheffield have launched a study of the mental health and social impact of the pandemic as they predict a rise in depression, anxiety, paranoia and authoritarian views.
They say the virus could pose “one of the biggest existential threats the world has faced this century”, and hope their findings will help inform the better management of future public health crises.
The first results of the study are expected within days.
Led by Professor Richard Bentall, a team of experts is surveying 2,000 people in the UK now, and again in a month’s time.
Dr Jilly Gibson-Miller, Lecturer in health psychology at the University of Sheffield, said: “This is one of the first studies of the ‘psychology of epidemics’ during perhaps one of the biggest existential threats the world has faced this century.
“Our survey will allow us to begin to understand, in great depth, the psychological impact of this epidemic on our citizens and how this changes as the epidemic unfolds.
“We know what an important role human behaviour plays in the spread of an epidemic. As a health psychologist, I’m particularly interested in the extent to which people are carrying out protective behaviours, such as hand-washing and social distancing, and whether they feel they have sufficient motivation, opportunity and capability to do so.”
The study will assess people’s attitudes towards others and their political views, and understand how this change as the epidemic progresses.
There has been very little research on the psychological impacts of viral epidemics – but the limited data that is available suggest that such epidemics may have severe social and psychological effects, and quarantining people may affect their mental health.
Similar surveys will also be carried out at the University of Ulster.