story by Claire Miller
In the early months of 2020, the novel coronavirus quickly spread from a series of medical cases in a few countries to a global pandemic with profound effects.
CEHD Professors Jeff Ashby and Ken Rice were part of an international team who conducted a study published in the Journal of Loss and Trauma focused on COVID-19 traumatic stress, which is unique compared to other traumatic stresses.
Their study involved 1,374 people from seven countries responding to an online questionnaire that Ashby and Rice developed with colleagues from the Center for Cumulative Trauma Studies in Stone Mountain, Ga.
“This study offers evidence for three primary components of traumatic stress related to the experience of COVID-19: Stress related to the fear of present or future infection or death from infection, economic stress due to job loss and/or related financial difficulties, and traumatic stress related to social isolation and disturbed routine,” Ashby explained. “The combined experience of these three components is significantly related to increases in anxiety, depression and the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.”
To read their full study, click here.
About the Researchers
Jeff Ashby
Department of Counseling and Psychological Services
Jeff Ashby is a full professor, a licensed psychologist, a Diplomate of the American Board of Professional Psychology and co-director of the college’s Center for the Study of Stress, Trauma and Resilience. His research focuses on stress and trauma and cognitive structures (e.g., perfectionism), play therapy and adventure/experiential modalities of counseling.
Ken Rice
Department of Counseling and Psychological Services
Ken Rice is the Ken and Mary Matheny Endowed Professor and co-director of the college’s Center for the Study of Stress, Trauma and Resilience. His research focuses on stress, resilience and addressing the ways in which personal characteristics (such as perfectionism) and emotion regulation affect a variety of health, mental health and academic outcomes.
Read Their Study
Ibrahim A. Kira, Hanaa A. M. Shuwiekh, Kenneth G. Rice, Jeffrey S. Ashby, Sayed Ahmed Elwakeel, Mariam Sous Fahmy Sous, Amthal Alhuwailah, Shadia Bint Ali Baali, Chafika Azdaou, Enas. M. Oliemat & Hikmet J. Jamil (2020). “Measuring COVID-19 as Traumatic Stress: Initial Psychometrics and Validation.” Journal of Loss and Trauma. DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2020.1790160.