Pandemic Psychology Flashcards
Virus
A tiny organism that multiplies within cells and causes disease; not affected by antibiotics
Influenza
A virus that attacks the respiratory system, highly contagious
Transmission: Can be inhaled by people nearby
Disease
A condition that impairs normal functioning, often shown by specific signs and symptoms
Infectious Disease
Diseases spread by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungo
Transmission: Can spread from one person to another directly or indirectly
Epidemic
A sudden increase in disease cases above normal in a particular area
Pandemic
An epidemic that has spread over several countries or continents, affecting many people
Psychological impact of pandemics
widespread and long-lasting psychological effects compared to physical effects
Reaction to pandemic stress
Neurotic personalities: May misinterpret symptoms as signs of disease
Anxious individuals: Often engage in excessive cleaning, reassurance-seeking
Media consumption and psychological impact
increased stress from extensive media exposure
Face covering behavior
positive attitude, ease of use, belief in personal and community protection
Health Belief Model
Adoption factors: perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, few barriers, and cues to action
Seniors and COVID_19 stay-at-home orders
Belief in COVID-19 severity linked to adherence to social distancing
The plaguq of justinian
Duration: 21 years
Mortality: up to 30% of the world’s population
The black death
Duration: 7 years
Mortality: Killed over one-third of Europe’s population
Spanish flu
Cause: H1N1 virus with avian genes
Impact: 500 million infected, 50 million deaths globally.
COVID-19 background
Origin: Reported first in Wuhan, China, in 2019
Duration: Declared pandemic in March 2020, ended May 2023
Transmission and Symptoms
Transmission: Can last up to 2 weeks after symptom onset
Symptoms: Range from mild (fever) to severe (difficulty breathing)
Vaccine Hesitancy
Delay in vaccine acceptance despite availability
Key factors: mistrust, perceived seriousness, political views
COVID-19 psychological impact
Anxiety: Increased from 8.1% (2019) TO 29.8% (2020) AMONG uU.S. adults
Depression: Increased from 6.5% (2019) to 24.4% (2020)
Coronaphobia
Fear and anxiety about the coronavirus
Indicators: increased demand for anti-anxiety medication, linked with anxiety and suicidal thoughts
Coronavirus Anxiety Scale
Measures dysfunctional anxiety bout COVID-19
Indicators: Dizziness, sleep trouble, paralysis, appetite loss, digestive issues
Dysfunctional COVID-19 Grief
Grief over COVID related deaths, amplified by lack of closure and support
Indicators: linked to depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation
Pandemic Grief Scale
Identifies dysfunctional grief from COVID-19 losses
Indicators: Suicidal thoughts, identity confusion apathy, difficulty reminiscing
Post-traumatic Growth
Positive change following trauma
Findings: improved relationships, slower life pace, new hobbies
