Relationship between the Severity of Anxiety Symptoms, Aggression and Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Abstract

Background and objectives: There have been many reports of mental health in the pandemic period. The research conducted so far has indicated an increase in the severity of anxiety and aggression and an escalation of alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the severity of anxiety, the amount of alcohol consumed and the severity of aggression. Materials and Methods: A total of 538 Polish residents—413 women (76.77%) and 125 men (23.23%)—participated in the study via an online survey. It included socio-demographic parameters and psychological scales: AUDIT—to determine the model of alcohol consumption, GAD-7—to measure the severity of anxiety and the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Results: There was a correlation between the severity of anxiety and generalized aggression, and its two components—anger and hostility—in the entire study group. Moreover, relations were found between the intensity of alcohol consumption and generalized aggression and its components—anger and verbal and physical aggression. Those relationships turned out to be gender specific. The increased anxiety intensity affected the pattern of alcohol consumption and the severity of aggression. Conclusions: Psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational interactions and some elements of psychiatric treatment should aim at reducing the severity of anxiety in society, and thus minimizing the health and social consequences—aggressive behaviour and excessive alcohol consumption.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• pandemic
• mental health
• anxiety
• aggression
• alcohol drinking