Although research shows a strong positive association between perceived stress and loneliness, the genetic and environmental etiology underlying their association remains unknown. People with a genetic predisposition to perceived stress, for example, may be more prone to feeling lonely and vice versa. Conversely, unique factors in people’s lives may explain differences in perceived stress levels […]
Due to social distancing measures implemented to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals are spending more time isolated at home with limited physical social interactions. The current study investigated whether marriage and/or cohabitation is associated with satisfaction with life and depression among 732 adult same-sex twin pairs (monozygotic and dizygotic) in the US using online survey […]
Background: Physical distancing and other COVID-19 pandemic mitigation strategies have negatively impacted physical activity (PA) levels and mental health in cross-sectional studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between changes in PA and mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, following implementation of mitigation strategies, in a sample of adult twins. Methods: […]
The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns have had a disproportionate impact on parents of children under 18, particularly women. Mandatory school closures and loss of childcare resulted in parents balancing work, teaching, and childcare needs. A number of studies have examined changes in mental health of parents, but to date no studies have compared the […]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a variety of social distancing measures to mitigate the virus outbreak have been implemented. These measures may have unintended consequences on individuals’ well-being, such as increased stress, anxiety, and sleep disruptions. We investigated the extent to which individuals’ mental health status is associated with perceived changes in sleep amount […]
Millions of people have been impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic worldwide. High infection rates and death tolls, combined with social distancing measures, may have unintended psychological consequences on individuals. The goal of this study was to examine the interrelations between COVID-19 exposure, fear of COVID-19, and depression among a community-based sample of adult […]
In our March baseline survey, we asked participants their perceived change in the amount of physical activity since the widespread social restriction soon after the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 a pandemic. At the time, 43.78% of the participants reported a decrease in physical activity, 29.84% reported no change, and 26.38% reported an increase […]
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted the lives of people worldwide since being declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Social restrictions aimed at flattening the curve may be associated with an increase in stress and anxiety, which may increase the use of alcohol as a coping mechanism. The objective of this study was to […]
Between March 27 and April 5, 2020, we administered an online survey asking participants a series of questions regarding the changes of health-related behaviors and health outcomes during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Considering that strategies aimed to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, such as physical distancing and lock downs, may […]
Background: Physical distancing and other COVID-19 pandemic mitigation strategies may have unintended consequences on a number of health behaviors and health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between perceived change in physical activity or exercise and mental health outcomes over the short-term in response to COVID-19 mitigation strategies in a […]
In the follow-up survey, we asked participants to self-report the amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) they had in the past two week. We wondered if the amount of exercise people are doing during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with several mental health indicators.
In the follow-up survey, we were interested in whether the number of individuals in a household during lock-down/shelter-in-place has an effect on people’s mental health status. We were particularly curious about whether individuals with children are more worried during this unprecedented time.
This survey is being sent to parents of twins age 13 and younger. This survey will examine how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting families.
The purpose of this survey study is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and corresponding social restrictions in place on the daily life and feelings of WSTR twin pairs. Given the widespread statewide social restrictions put in place, it is possible that people’s perceptions and normal interactions within their neighborhoods may have changed. […]
Purpose of the study In light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding social restrictions to society, we followed up with a sample of our participants to see how they are impacted by the recent events. We would like to thank the WSTR twins for their participation and continued support of the […]
In our recent COVID-19 survey, we asked participants several questions about their exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Most participants reported not having been diagnosed with COVID-19, with very few participants reported having household and/or family members diagnosed with COVID-19. However, 42.69% participants reported knowing at least one friend (and/or classmate) who was diagnosed with COVID-19. More […]
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many social restrictions have been put in place in the hopes to slow down the spread of the virus. As a result, many of us have had to make changes in our daily lives accordingly. We examined whether self-perceived change in the amount of physical activity and sleep is […]
We were interested in examining the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic affects mental health. Participants were asked to respond to a number of survey items designed to assess depression, stress, and anxiety.
This research study is being done to examine the impact of COVID-19 on daily activities such as sleep and physical activity. In addition to the risk of COVID-19 infection, statewide restrictions such as stay-at-home orders have resulted in drastic impacts to people’s daily lives. We will collect one week of data 10 times over a […]
In March 2020 we developed a survey to collect information about COVID-19 from all adult members enrolled in the Washington State Twin Registry. The first survey completed is the baseline survey, and a follow-up survey will be sent out beginning in April 2020.
