Analysis of predictors of stress during confinement by COVID-19 in Spain

Abstract

Introduction. Confinement has had a great emotional impact on the population, especially in terms of stress. Factors such as the presence of previous mental or physical illness, resilience or emotional intelligence may influence the occurrence or increase of stress. The aim was to assess predictors of stress by comparing two statistical methodologies (one linear and one non-linear).

Method. 802 Spaniards (65.50% women) who completed the questionnaires autonomously after signing the informed consent form participated. Stress (PSPP), COVID-19 threat perception (BIPQ-5), resilience (CD-RISC-10) and emotional intelligence (TMMS-24) were assessed. Descriptive statistics, hierarchical regression (HRM) and fuzzy set comparative qualitative analysis (fsQCA) were conducted.

Results. Data obtained by HRM showed that the presence of previous mental illness, low resilience and emotional clarity, high emotional alertness and COVID-19 threat perception predicted 51% of the variance in stress. On the other hand, the results of the QCA showed that different combinations of these variables explained 71% of high stress and 56% of low stress. Pointing out how the presence of previous mental illness, high resilience, high emotional clarity and repair, low emotional alertness and low COVID-19 threat perception play a key role in explaining stress.

Conclusions. These aspects will help to promote personal resources to buffer stress in confinement situations.