Comparison of Corona Disease Anxiety Based on Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies and Cognitive Flexibility Between People with COVID-19 Experience and Normal People in Hamadan

Abstract

Background: This research aims to compare corona disease anxiety (CDA) based on cognitive emotion regulation (CER) strategies and cognitive flexibility between people with COVID-19 experience and normal individuals in Hamedan. Objectives: The primary question of this study is whether there is a difference between people with a history of COVID-19 and normal individuals in Hamedan in comparing CDA based on the strategies of CER and cognitive flexibility. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical research was conducted in the first half of 1401 in Hamedan. The population consisted of people from Hamedan, with 420 individuals (210 with a history of COVID-19 and 210 normal individuals) selected by convenience sampling. The tools used in this research were the demographic information questionnaire and questionnaires on coronavirus anxiety, cognitive regulation of emotion, and cognitive flexibility. Results: Based on the results obtained from this research, according to the F and P-values (F = 7.222, P < 0.00), there is a significant difference in terms of CDA, CER strategies, and cognitive flexibility between people with COVID-19 experience and normal individuals. Conclusions: The present study showed that the level of anxiety about contracting a virus such as COVID-19 and people's psychological coping mechanisms are influenced by their personality and psychological preparations. People with a history of COVID-19 experience have different CER strategies and cognitive flexibility related to CDA compared to normal individuals. The CDA and cognitive flexibility were higher in normal individuals, while the non-adaptive CER strategies were higher in people with a history of COVID-19.