Relationship between interoceptive sensibility, age, and COVID-19 anxiety during the first national lockdown in the United Kingdom. (3rd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elliott, Jennifer; Pfeifer, Gaby
• Is Part Of: Aging & mental health. Volume 26:Number 10(2022)
• Page Start: 2112
• Page End: 2119
• Publication Date: 2022-10-03
• Subjects: Interoception -- Aging -- COVID-19 -- anxiety -- mental health -- pandemic; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Aged -- psychology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; Mental Health Services -- periodicals; Aging -- psychology -- periodicals; Aged, 80 and over -- psychology -- periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2026878
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-7863

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Interoception refers to the multidimensional representation of the internal states of the body, including sensation, appraisal, integration, and regulation. COVID-19 targets internal respiratory, temperature and gastrointestinal systems, thus posing a threat to humans that causes anxiety. Here, we examined the relationship between interoceptive sensibility and COVID-19 anxiety during the first UK national lockdown, when uncertainties surrounding the virus were at their peak.Methods: Between April and July 2020, N = 232 individuals across four age-categories completed questionnaires measuring interoceptive sensibility (BPQ-SF and MAIA-2), an adapted State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess COVID-19 anxiety, and a Perceived Quality of Life (QoL) questionnaire.Results: Higher scores on the BPQ-SF were related to higher levels of COVID-19 anxiety, while the MAIA-2 subscales Not Worrying, Attention Regulation, and Trusting of bodily signals were related to lower levels of COVID-19 anxiety. Age was related to lower levels of COVID-19 anxiety yet showed no significant (Bonferroni-corrected) relationship with interoceptive dimensions. Trait anxiety, Not Worrying, perceived quality of work, and COVID-19-related media consumption emerged as significant predictors of COVID-19 anxiety.Conclusion: Findings suggest that interoceptive dimensions differentially relate to COVID-19 anxiety irrespective of age, with implications for managing health anxiety and adaptive behaviour during a pandemic across the lifespan.