This volume examines the undesirable or harmful cognitive, emotional and behavioural side-effects of COVID-19 and of the behavioural restrictions imposed by governments on their populations during the pandemic.
Societal "lockdowns" and other intervening behavioural restrictions, built significantly around social isolation, used by governments to control the spread of COVID-19 disrupted the lives of most people. There were economic costs for many as workplaces closed down, as well as severe stresses on friendships and romantic relationships, an increase in instances of abuse and domestic violence, and concerns about people drinking too much alcohol or gambling too much as compensatory behaviours. Understanding which people were at risk, and in what ways, could teach important lessons for the future. Presenting a timely review of the most recent international research and evidence, author Barrie Gunter assesses the major collateral, psychological side-effects of the pandemic. Looking forward, Gunter also considers how new models might be developed that take into account not just the need to halt the spread of a new virus, but also minimise collateral damage which could be every bit as severe in both the short term and long term.
Identifying and analysing the nature and severity of collateral side-effects of pandemic-related behaviour restrictions, this is essential reading for students and researchers in psychology, public health and medical sciences and policymakers assessing government strategies, responses and performance.
Author(s): Barrie Gunter
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 222
City: London
Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents
Chapter 1: The COVID-19 Pandemic: Hindsight and Foresight
Advance Warnings
COVID-19: First Signs
Historical Pandemics and Interventions
Pandemics and Collateral Damage
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Impact on People's Well-Being
Pandemics and Mental and Behavioural Health Risks
References
Chapter 2: Lockdown Side-Effects: Public Fear
Early Anxiety Symptoms in the COVID-19 Pandemic
COVID-19 Fear among Healthcare Workers
Dimensions of Fear
Public Fear about Lockdown Release
Fear as Motivator
Lockdown and General Mood States
Pandemic Anxiety, Stress and Adaptation
References
Chapter 3: Lockdown and Loneliness
The Psychology of Loneliness
Loneliness: Objective or Subjective?
Lockdown and Loneliness
Lockdown and Loneliness
Isolation and The Elderly
Isolation and Young People
Isolation and The Unwell
Public Responses to Lockdown
Happiness and Mental Health: Lockdown Effects
Search for Coping Mechanisms
References
Chapter 4: Lockdown and Mental Health
Anxiety, Distress and the Threat of Infection
Anxiety Responses to Lockdown
Gender and Pandemic-Related Psychological Impact
Personality and COVID-19 Anxiety
Interventions and Anxiety Responses
Social Isolation, Uncertainty and Anxiety
Loneliness and Psychological State
Sleep Disturbances
Getting COVID and Cognitive Impairment
Lessons Learned
References
Chapter 5: COVID-19, Mental Health and the Young
Global Public Opinion about Mental Health Impact of Pandemic on Children
Direct Evidence of Mental Health Effects
Lockdown and the Psychological Health of Young People
Young People, Families and COVID-19
School Closures and Children's Mental Health
University Closures and Students' Mental Health
Lessons Learned
References
Chapter 6: Lockdown and Panic Buying Behaviour
Theories of Panic Buying
Measuring Panic Buying
Beliefs, Personality and Panic Buying
Closing Observations
References
Chapter 7: Friendships, Romance and Social and Sexual Relations
Importance of Romance
Lockdown and People's Sex Lives
Dating Behaviour
Women and Sexual Relationships
Men and Sexual Functioning
Gay Relationships
Lockdown and Relationship Strain
References
Chapter 8: The Pandemic and Destructive Behaviour
Self-Harm
Suicidal Behaviour
Domestic Abuse
Lockdown and Domestic Abuse
Mental Health and Domestic Abuse
Women as Victims
Men are also Abused
Children as Victims
Concerns Going Forward
References
Chapter 9: Lockdown and Alcohol Consumption
Pandemics and Alcohol Consumption
The Potential for Increased Alcohol Consumption
The 2020 Pandemic and Alcohol Consumption
Population Subgroups and Variances in Alcohol Consumption during the Pandemic
Gender-Related Differences
Age-Related Differences
Reasons for Increased Alcohol Consumption
Mental Health as a Precursor to Greater Alcohol Consumption
Lessons Learned
References
Chapter 10: Lockdown and Gambling Behaviour
Online Gaming and COVID-19 - Initial Concerns
Gambling Volumes based on Industry Data
Self-Reported Changes in Gambling Behaviour
Problem Gambling and COVID-19
The Pandemic and Use of Gambling Support Services
Overview of Gambling and the Pandemic
References
Chapter 11: Re-Setting Public Behaviour
Lasting Effects: Mental Health
Lasting Effects of the Pandemic Experience for Children
The Pandemic, Lockdown, Mental Health and Associated Behavioural Problems
Plotting the Psychological Problems of the Future and Their Solutions
References
Index
