(PS2-B30) Emotion Dysregulation Predicts Covid-related Cognitive Impairments Beyond Anxiety

Emotion Dysregulation Predicts Covid-Related Cognitive Impairments Beyond Anxiety

Ariana E. Milner, B.S., Austin J. Foreman, Derek A. Brennan, Ashlyn R. Suchand, B.S., Michael J. McDermott, Ph.D.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on health outcomes, with evidence suggesting that 30% of people affected by COVID-19 experienced psychological, physical, or cognitive impairments (Ceban et al., 2021). Those impacted by COVID-19 and associated quarantine experienced cognitive impairments, such as difficulties in concentration, decisiveness, and executive functioning (Santangelo et al., 2021; de Silva Castanheira et al., 2021). One factor associated with COVID-related cognitive impairments is anxiety (Santangelo et al., 2021). Anxiety experienced during the pandemic has been linked to impaired cognitive abilities (de Silva Castanheira et al., 2021). Given the emotional component associated with COVID-19-related impairment, one factor of relevance may be emotion dysregulation (Sroykham & Wongsawat, 2019). Emotion dysregulation refers to difficulties in evaluation, modification, and awareness of emotional experiences (Gratz & Roemer, 2004; Gross & Thompson, 2007). While research shows emotion dysregulation interacts with cognitive impairments (Sroykham & Wongsawat, 2019), studies are limited on how COVID-related cognitive impairments may be affected by emotion dysregulation. Therefore, the current study aimed to examine the effect of emotion dysregulation on COVID-related cognitive impairments beyond anxiety.

As part of a larger study, 266 university students (Mage = 19.15) completed measures designed to assess COVID-related cognitive impairments (COVID-19 Adult Symptom & Psychological Experience Questionnaire; Ladouceur, 2020), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder – 7; Spitzer, 2006), and emotion dysregulation (Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale; Gratz & Roemer, 2004).

A hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine the role of emotion dysregulation on COVID-related cognitive impairments beyond anxiety. Anxiety (ß =.64, p < .001) was entered into the first step of the model and significantly predicted COVID-related cognitive impairments (R2 =.41, F(1,248) = 170.19, p < .001). Emotion dysregulation (ß =.30, p < .001) was entered into the second step of the model and significantly predicted COVID-related cognitive impairments beyond anxiety (ΔR2 = .06, ΔF(1, 247) = 26.35, p < .001). The overall model significantly predicted COVID-related cognitive impairments (total R2 = .46, F(2, 247) = 106.96, p < .001). Follow-up analyses designed to identify specific factors of emotion dysregulation demonstrated difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior when distressed (ß =.23, p = .001) and lack of emotional clarity (ß =.20, p = .003) emerged as significant predictors of COVID-related cognitive impairments beyond anxiety.

Findings demonstrate that anxiety predicted COVID-related cognitive impairments and emotion dysregulation significantly predicted COVID-related cognitive impairments beyond anxiety. Identified emotion dysregulation subscales, treatment implications, limitations, and future directions will be discussed.