Gender differences in anxiety during COVID-19: Preference for dichotomy and solitude

Abstract

Higher levels of anxiety have been observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for women. The present research investigated if gender differences in anxiety are due in part to dichotomous thinking and a preference for solitude. A total of 391 college students responded to an online questionnaire that included the Dichotomous Thinking Inventory and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results showed that preference for dichotomy and solitude significantly contributed to higher anxiety for women, but not for men. These patterns were not observed for depression. Instead, having stronger belief in, rather than preference for, dichotomy contributed to increased depression for men, whereas preference for solitude was associated with depression for women. Intervention programs are needed to address the role that thought style plays in mental health, especially as society tended to be polarized during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

• Dichotomous thinking
• Solitude
• Social distance
• COVID-19
• Anxiety
• Depression