Adaptive function and correlates of anxiety during a pandemic

Salali G. D., Uysal M. S., Bevan A.

EVOLUTION MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH, vol.9, no.1, pp.393-405, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 9 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1093/emph/eoab037
  • Journal Name: EVOLUTION MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.393-405
  • Keywords: anxiety, evolution, intolerance of uncertainty, time perspective, risk avoidance, COVID-19, NATURAL-SELECTION, MINDFULNESS, INTOLERANCE, UNCERTAINTY, DEPRESSION, DISORDER, WORRY, PERSPECTIVE, ORIENTATION, TIME
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background and objectives: Most studies to date have focused on the negative aspects of anxiety. Anxiety, however, is an evolved emotional response that can provide protection in the face of risk. Pandemics are characterized by increased mortality risk coupled with future uncertainties, which both cause heightened anxiety. Here, we examine the factors associated with anxiety levels and risk avoidance behaviours during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked how individual time perspectives (future-oriented consideration and attention to present moment experience) affect anxiety in uncertain times, and whether anxiety reduces mortality risk by promoting risk avoidance behaviour.