Depression, anxiety, stress, and intolerance of uncertainty during the COVID-19 pandemic by considering the impact of pre-existing mental health issues

Purpose This research was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate self-reported mental health issues in a public sample, including depression, anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty about the future. Design/methodology/approach A public sample (N = 313) was obtained through social media, and collected using an online survey. Participants completed a series of demographic questions including disclosure about previous mental health issues, the depression anxiety stress scale (DASS) and the intolerance uncertainty scale (IUS). Findings There was a strong positive relationship between elements of the DASS and IUS. Having previous mental health issues were strongly associated with higher scores across all measures. Originality/value Evidence is provided to support the notion that additional stress, anxiety and fear is experienced by people with pre-existing mental health issues during unprecedented times. This research offers a unique insight into the mental health of the general public during a global pandemic.