Emotional Regulation, Adult Attachment Orientations, and Risk of COVID-19 Infection: Virtual Reality Simulation

Abstract

(1) Background: To mitigate COVID-19 transmission, global public health interventions were swiftly implemented. However, a comprehensive understanding of individual variations in adhering to these recommendations remains elusive. Addressing this gap is crucial for effectively managing future epidemic and pandemic scenarios. This study aims to explore individual differences in attachment, emotion regulation, and risk for COVID-19 infection using virtual reality (VR). (2) Methods: The sample included 73 (88%) university students and 10 (12%) university staff. Participants completed questionnaires on sociodemographic information, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationships—Relationship Structures Questionnaire, and the fear of COVID-19 Scale. Additionally, each participant engaged in five daily situations using a VR simulator to assess the risk of COVID-19 infection. (3) Results: Our study revealed that high levels of attachment anxiety, difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors, and limited access to emotion regulation strategies were strong predictors of elevated risk of COVID-19 infection. Conversely, high levels of fear of COVID-19 and attachment avoidance were associated with lower risk of COVID-19 infection. (4) Conclusions: We discuss the importance of policymakers and health professionals being aware of some psychological characteristics that make it difficult for some individuals to adhere to public health measures involving social distancing.

Keywords

• attachment
• COVID-19
• emotion regulation
• social distancing
• virtual reality