Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

July 9, 2020

Self-Control Moderates the Association Between Perceived Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Mental Health Problems Among the Chinese Public

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  • Based on a national survey of China conducted in February 2020 (n=4,607), after controlling for demographic variables, perceived severity of COVID-19 was associated with likelihood of mental health problems. Self-control (the ability to override or change one’s inner responses and to interrupt undesired behavioral tendencies) was found to moderate the association between perceived severity of COVID-19 and mental health problems. Compared to those with high self-control, Li et al. found that individuals with low self-control are more vulnerable and are more in need of psychological aids to maintain mental health during the pandemic. 

Li et al. (July 4, 2020). Self-Control Moderates the Association Between Perceived Severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Mental Health Problems Among the Chinese Public. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134820