Depressive and anxious symptomatology in a Lebanese sample during the COVID-19 outbreak

Abstract

This study explores the correlates of depressive and anxious symptomatology in a Lebanese sample during the COVID-19 outbreak. A convenience sample of 191 respondents participated in a cross-sectional survey and completed measures of fear of COVID-19, rumination about COVID-19, job insecurity, political trust, depression, and generalized anxiety. Results indicated that political trust was associated with greater wellbeing (manifested as decreased job insecurity, fear of COVID-19, depression, and anxiety). Respondents who reported no compliance with self-isolation measures reported less rumination about COVID-19 and less fear of COVID-19 than those who did. Multiple regression analyses showed that fear of, and rumination about, COVID-19 predicted depressive and anxious symptomatology while political trust was protective against depressive symptomatology only. This study provides a novel perspective on mental health in Lebanon, by focusing on its social and psychological predictors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to political and economic instability in Lebanon, the COVID-19 crisis may have deleterious effects on mental health in the Lebanese population. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based and cost-effective approach to enhancing mental health during the pandemic and may be beneficial in the Lebanese context.