Identification of stress and anxiety in healthy individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background. Despite a substantial body of research on the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the regional characteristics of stress responses and anxiety disorders among the healthy population of Russia remain insufficiently studied. Aim. To assess the presence of anxiety disorders and maladaptation in healthy individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted using anonymous online questionnaires between December 2020 and February 2021. The study enrolled 202 participants aged 17 to 46 years (mean age 22.0±4.8 years), predominantly female (73.8%). Psychological stress was assessed using the PSM-25 scale. Results. The mean integral score of psychological stress was 156.4±12.1 points. Low stress levels were identified in 129 (63.9%) respondents, moderate levels in 53 (26.2%), and high levels in 20 (9.9%). No significant gender differences in stress levels were observed (p>0.05). Financial difficulties were reported more frequently by men (49.1%, p=0.03). The most prevalent concerns were health risks to family members and close ones (84.7%), inability to maintain a habitual lifestyle (54.0%), and the absence of specific treatment (40.6%). Conclusion. The COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable negative impact on the psychological well-being of the healthy population. Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, psychological stress, anxiety disorders, mental health.
Language: English
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7225336751