@article{ref1,
title="Fear and depression linked to COVID-19 exposure: a study of adult twins during the COVID-19 pandemic",
journal="Psychiatry research",
year="2020",
author="Duncan, Glen E. and Avery, Ally R. and Tsang, Siny",
volume="296",
number="",
pages="e113699-e113699",
abstract="Millions of people have been impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide. High infection rates and death tolls, combined with social distancing  measures, may have unintended psychological consequences on individuals. The goal of  this study was to examine the interrelations between COVID-19 exposure, fear of  COVID-19, and depression among a community-based sample of adult twins. We further  explored whether fear of COVID-19 mediated the association between COVID-19 exposure  and depression. 732 same-sex adult twin pairs (78.1% MZ, 21.9% DZ) completed an  online survey examining their feelings in May 2020. About one-fifth of the  participants reported having any COVID-19 exposure. Most participants (>80%) were  somewhat concerned about themselves or their household members being infected by  COVID-19. The average depression level was relatively low (M = 0.9 out of 6). We  found that COVID-19 exposure was related to increased fears of COVID-19 and  depression, and that depressive feelings increased with fear of COVID-19. The  correlation between COVID-19 exposure and depression was partially mediated by fear  of COVID-19. However, these associations were confounded by familial influences. As  society navigates through the pandemic, it is essential to implement public health  strategies to help individuals cope with the concerns and fears about COVID-19.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0165-1781",
doi="10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113699",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113699"
}