Latent profiles of psychological status among populations cumulatively exposed to a flood and the recurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. (1st February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liang, Yiming; Zhao, Yiming; Ji, Weidong; Bian, Xiaohua; Xi, Juzhe
• Is Part Of: International journal of disaster risk reduction. Volume 85(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01
• Subjects: Corona -- Natural disaster -- Psychological distress -- Acceptance of change -- Risk perception; Emergency management -- Periodicals; Risk management -- Periodicals; Disaster relief -- Periodicals; Hazard mitigation -- Periodicals; 363.34
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103520
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2212-4209

Abstract

Abstract: Henan Province in Central China was hit by unprecedented, rain-triggered floods in July 2021 and experienced a recurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aims to identify the latent profiles of psychological status and acceptance of change among Henan residents who have been cumulatively exposed to these floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 977 participants were recruited. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to explore underlying patterns of psychological status (i.e., perceived risk of the COVID-19 pandemic, post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety and rumination) and acceptance of change. The predictors were evaluated with multinomial logistic regression. LPA identified four patterns of psychological status and acceptance of change: high distress/high acceptance (5.1%), moderate distress/moderate acceptance (20.1%), mild distress/mild acceptance (45.5%), and resilience (29.3%). The additive impact of the floods and COVID-19 pandemic and negative emotion during the floods were the risk factors, while flood coping efficacy, trust, and a closer psychological distance change were the protective factors. The present study therefore provides novel evidence on psychological status after both a natural disaster and a major public health event. The cumulative effects of the floods and the COVID-19 pandemic may have heightened the risk of post-disaster maladaptation. A complex relationship between psychological outcomes and acceptance of change was also found. The findings of this study thus provide a foundation for both disaster management and psychological assistance for particular groups. Highlights: Four patterns of psychological status are identified among Henan residents. Psychological distress and acceptance of change are concurrently high in the high distress/high acceptance group. The additive impact of the floods and COVID-19 exhibit a predictive effect on psychological status. Higher levels of flood coping efficacy and trust and a closer psychological distance serve as protective factors.