Contact (e-mail and/or cellphone)

Location (Belgium only or international)

policy implications

Impact of covid-19 lockdown daily life, well-being and behaviours among youth (12-21 years old)-

ARCh Research Unit , Department of Psychology, ULiege

fabienne.glowacz@uliege.be

ARCh Research Unit, Department of Psychology ULiege

fabienne.glowacz@uliege.be

Belgium FWB France Quebec

ARCh Research Unit , Department of Psychology, ULiege

Belgium FWB France Quebec

The purpose of this study is to measure the psychological distress related to the COVID-19 crisis and public health measures associated with its lockdown.

Glowacz, F., & Schmits, E. (2020). Psychological distress during the COVID-19 lockdown: The young adults most at risk. Psychiatry research, 293, 113486

Young people are more sensitive to lockdown conditions and psychological distress

to propose clear guidelines for teachers to help them communicate with students, to offer access to infrastructure that will be conducive to their well-being, such free psychological consultations, and the promotion of access to sports and cultural centers.To provide public health warnings about the risk of excessive consumption in social contexts among young adults after lockdown

isleep@gmail.com, petersimor@gmail.com

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdc3EFgKhA-MtxfsOXU1Vu9aIys5dPJDb9ftGgnzFRFaexaCA/viewform

Belgium, Hungary, Spain mainly

The aim of the study is to examine day-to-day associations between subjective sleep quality and daytime functioning during the large-scale confinement measures taken in Belgium given the current Covid-19 pandemic in Europe. In particular, we are interested in assessing the interplay between altered patterns of sleep timing, duration and quality, and daytime behavior, cognition, and affect for 2 weeks during the confinement period

ARCh Research Unit , Department of Psychology, ULiege

Belgium FWB France Quebec

The present study proposes to focus on the role of individual/contextual factors related to confinement and mental health variables on alcohol use during the lockdown (COVID-19 pandemic).

Schmits,E. & Glowacz, F. (in press). Changes in Alcohol use during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Impact of the Lockdown Conditions and Mental Health Factors. International journal of mental health and addiction.

Half of the population change their drinking pattern, due to lockdown conditions and anxiodepressive symptoms.

To implement alcohol prevention strategies in the context of health crisis.

Brain & Cognition, KU Leuven

eva.vandenbussche@kuleuven.be

Belgium, Dutch speaking population

Preprint of first paper based on first measurement moment, analyses of follow-up measurements ongoing

1. The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe impact on the wellbeing, activity level and sleep quality of older adults. 2. Only a small group of participants reported a decline in cognitive functioning. 3. All changes reported during the COVID-19 period were strongly related to depression.

1. Concerns raised about the wellbeing of older adults are justified, and this group at risk requires the attention of governments and healthcare. 2. In the future, prevention and intervention strategies are needed to aid older adults to prepare for and cope with extreme stressors, such as COVID-19, especially for those at risk of depression. Psychological counselling could play an important in improving social skills in preventing loneliness and decreased wellbeing. 3. New ways need to be explored to reach older adults. 4. More attention needs to be devoted to the importance of maintaining strong social relationships (for example through social media usage and telephone contact) during major stressors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Media actions might help in stressing the importance of maintaining such interactions for older adults.

The impact of the school closure and home-schooling on the minority-majority achievement gap in education.

Center for Social and Cultural Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven

jozefien.deleersnyder@kuleuven.be

Pupils in 10 secondary schools in Flanders

With this study we not only hope to get insight into the impact of the school-closure and home-schooling policy on the widening of the achievement gap in education, but also to shed light on which personal and school-related factors widen versus buffer against the widening of this gap. Among the personal factors, we study students' home situation, including the practical and mental support that is available from their parents, their pre-corona academic identity and their bond with their teachers. Among the school factors, we study which types of home-schooling tasks are asked for by the school, how teachers communicate with their students, and how the schools generally approach cultural diversity (e.g., in a colorblind vs. intercultural way). In addition, we aim to investigate if the links between these variables and school achievement are mediated by current school engagement and well-being.

May-June 2020 + pre-measure 2019

School closure during COVID-19: implications for school and psychological adjustment among vulnerable pupils

Center for Social and Cultural Psychology, KU Leuven

Jessie.Hillekens@kuleuven.be

Longitudinal survey study with three waves (pre, during, post)

Pupils in the first 2 years of secondary education

In this study, we look at how the closure of secondary schools impacted school and psychological adjustment of pupils and whether it has more severe consequences for ethnic minority and socio-economically disadvantaged pupils. Additionally, we look at risks and resources at home and in school that can impact school and psychological adjustment for more and less vulnerable pupils (e.g., parent-child relationship quality, resources at home, quality of online instruction)

March 2020 (pre), June 2020 (during), Spring 2021 (after)

Vera Hoorens, Geert Molenberghs, Geert Verbeke, Stefaan Demarest, Eliane Deschrijver

Center for Social and Cultural Psychology, KU Leuven & Department of Experimental Psychology, UGent

Vera.Hoorens@kuleuven.be

We examine self-favoring biases in risk perception and in the appraisal of one’s own risk and precautionary behavior. We will in a longitudinal study (data collection of the first wave almost being completed, target N = 5000) on a sample from the general population from all regions of Belgium examine the effect of ‘errors’ in risk perception on the motivation to follow precautionary rules. In addition, we will in an online experiment test the hypothesis that there are situations where appeals meant to motivate people to comply with precautionary rules against COVID-19 ironically inflate precisely those biases that reduce compliance. Our project will thus yield specific and readily applicable solutions to achieve an urgently needed better compliance with precautionary measures.

November 2020-October 2021 (first wave of data collection december)

Systematic biases in people’s appraisal of risks and their own risk behavior exist; These biases discourage precautionary behavior and encourage risk behavior; Interventions meant to enhance compliance with precautionary rules and vaccination policies may ironically inflate biases; Interventions that are generally effective tools for behavior change may thus be counterproductive

Persuasive messages should explicitly address widespread biases in people’s appraisals of their risks and risk behavior; Persuasive communication should avoid inadvertently enhancing biased risk perception

Center for Social and Cultural Psychology, KU Leuven

Vera.Hoorens@kuleuven.be

Given that gender and ethnic biases in media coverage of various topics are well-documented, there is reason to expect that they may occur in media coverage of COVID-19 as well.

Recommendation for journalists

Center for Social and Cultural Psychology, KU Leuven & Department of Experimental Psychology, UGent, + 8 Universities in 3 continents

Vera.Hoorens@kuleuven.be

General population + > 400 students

We examine the occurrence of self-uniqueness beliefs in risk perception and assessment of compliance with precautionary measures and vaccination

April-May 2020 data collection (general population) and November 2020 data collection (students)

Several papers in progress; one published (open access): Asimakopoulou, K., Hoorens, V., Speed, E., Coulson, N. S., Antoniszczak, D., Collyer, F., Deschrijver, E., Dubbin, L., Faulks, D., Forsyth, R., Goltsi, V., Harsløf, I., Larsen, K., Manaras, I., Olczak-Kowalczyk, D., Willis, K., Xenou, T. & Scambler, S. (2020). Comparative optimism about infection and recovery from COVID-19; Implications for adherence with lockdown advice. Health Expectations.

Most people believe that they are less vulnerable to COVID-19 than others. ;People believe that they have contributed more to the curbing than to the spreading of infections; Large differences exist between countries in the extent to which people believe that the government and scientists have contributed to spreading infections and curbing the pandemic. ; Belgium is among the countries with highest confidence in the role of the medical system and scientists in curbing the pandemic (and less in the role of the government). UK and US are the only countries where people believe that the government has contributed more to the spreading than to the curbing of the pandemic.

Because comparative optimism may encourage risk behavior and the neglect of precautions, it must be addressed in public health communication ; Flanders is doing well in maintaining people’s trust in the medical system and scientists; There is room for improvement of trust in measures imposed by the government

Centre for Learning Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology

lauranne.vanaken@kuleuven.be

In the current study, we adjusted the Dutch version of the Impact of Event Scale (IES) to assess traumatic stress symptoms related to the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak.

A longitudinal investigation of the relations between narrative coherence, psychological well-being, internalizing symptoms and social bonding

Centre for Learning Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology

lauranne.vanaken@kuleuven.be

https://ghum.kuleuven.be/NL2018/corona/research-summary/lauranne-vanaken

Narrative coherence will be investigated in its cross-sectional and longitudinal relations to psychological and social well-being.

Child and Adolescent Lab

sarah.galdiolo@umons.ac.be

https://applications.umons.ac.be/survey/index.php?sid=69331&lang=fr

Belgium (French part)

Child and Adolescent Lab

sarah.galdiolo@umons.ac.be

Belgium (French part) and France

Buying and using the electronic cigarette in Belgium during the lock down period due to COVID-19

frank.baeyens@kuleuven.be

We aim to investigate the impact of closing vape shops during the lock down period due to COVID-19 on smoking and vaping behavior among current vapers

Adriaens, K., Van Gucht, D., Van Lommel, S., & Baeyens F. (2020, preprint). Vaping during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Belgium. Qeios.

A majority of vapers knows how to purchase e-liquids and consumables, even when brick-and-mortar vape shops are closed.
A non-trivial minority relapse to smoking when e-liquids and consumables are not accessible.

The ability to purchase e-liquids and consumables online may be a protective factor to relapse to smoking when brick-and-mortar vape shops need to be closed.
Access to low(er)-risk alternatives to smoking needs to be guaranteed at all times.

Clinical Psychology Department, UMONS

jennifer.denis@umons.ac.be

investigating the influence of anxiety, stress, ressources, coping and social distancing in a longitudinal perspective (4waves)

20 th March, 20th April, 20th september, 20th december

Control of Impulsive Action Lab/Experimental Psychology Department/Ghent

christina.reimer@ugent.be

Control of Impulsive Action Lab/Experimental Psychology Department/Ghent

To Punish or to Assist? Divergent Reactions to In-group and Out-group Members Disobeying Social Distancing

Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University; Center for Social and Cultural Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Leuven; Department of Experimental Clinical and Health psychology, Ghent University

jasper.vanassche@kuleuven.be

https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjso.12395

International (Brits in the U.K.)

In response to the corona pandemic, societies face the formidable challenge to develop sustainable forms of sociability-cum-social-distancing – supporting social life while containing the virus and preventing new outbreaks. Accordant public policies often balance between retributive (punishment-based) and assistance (solidarity-based) measures to foster responsible behaviour. Yet, the pandemic has further made salient group disparities in behaviour, potentially straining intergroup relations, elevating heated emotions, and undercutting coordinated containment policies. Using a 2x2 between-subjects experiment, British citizens (N = 377) read about members of their national in-group or a national out-group (categorical differentiation), that were either conforming to the corona regulations or deviated from them (normative differentiation). In general, participants’ support for assistance policies outweighed support for retributive policies. Second, however, norm-deviation was associated with less positive and more negative moral emotions, the latter category further relating to more punitiveness and less support for assistance measures. Finally, the combination of out-group norm-deviation especially produced support for retributive policies, pointing to potential out-group derogation. We discuss implications for policy makers and formulate avenues for future scientific research.

Van Assche, J., Politi, E., Van Dessel, P., & Phalet, K. (2020). To punish or to assist? Divergent reactions to ingroup and outgroup members disobeying social distancing. British Journal of Social Psychology, 59(3), 594-606.

In response to the COVID‐19 pandemic, societies face the formidable challenge of developing sustainable forms of sociability‐cumsocial‐distancing – enduring social life while containing the virus and preventing new outbreaks. Accordant public policies often balance between retributive (punishment‐based) and assistance (solidarity‐based) measures to foster responsible behaviour. Yet, the uncontrolled spreading of the disease has divided public opinion about which measures are best suited, and it has made salient group disparities in behaviour, potentially straining intergroup relations, elevating heated emotions, and undercutting coordinated international responses. In a 2 × 2 between‐subjects experiment, British citizens (N = 377) read about national in‐group or outgroup members (categorical differentiation), who were either conforming to or deviating from the corona regulations (normative differentiation). Participants then reported moral emotions towards the target national group and indicated support for public policies. In general, support for assistance policies outweighed support for retributive measures. Second, however, norm deviation was associated with less positive and more negative moral emotions, the latter category further relating to more punitiveness and less assistance support. Finally, respondents who read about norm‐violating outgroup members especially reported support for retributive measures, indicating that people might use norm deviation to justify outgroup derogation. We discuss implications for policymakers and formulate future research avenues.In an online experiment, we invited [A1] 377 British citizens to read a scenario about a target group’s behavior. Each respondent read one of four possible scenarios:1) fellow nationals (Britons) conforming to the British governmental coronavirus guidelines,2) fellow nationals (Britons) deviating from the British governmental coronavirus guidelines;3) foreigners (Italians) conforming to the Italian governmental coronavirus guidelines, and 4) foreigners (Italians) deviating from the Italian governmental coronavirus guidelines.Participants then were asked to report their emotions towards the target national group (i.e., ‘good’ or ‘bad’ Britons or Italians), as well as indicate their support for assistance measures (aimed at informing and educating the target group) and/or retributive measures (aimed at punishing the target group). In general, retributive measures were supported less than assistance measures, because such policies go against core democratic values (e.g., personal freedom). However, respondents who read news reports[A2] about norm-deviating groups reported more negative emotions (e.g., anger, condemnation, disgust), which further caused more support [A3] for retributive measures and less assistance support. Interestingly, respondents who read about norm-violating foreigners showed the highest support for retributive measures, indicating that people might blame foreigners for spreading the virus rather than fellow nationals that disobey hygiene standards and social distancing.These findings
have important consequences for international relations within Europe.[A4] Italy was the first European country where the COVID-19 disease hit hard, and was readily accused of spreading the virus around Europe. People search for positive
distinctiveness in relation to other groups
in any given comparative context. [A5] Hence, news about other national groups breaking ‘corona-measures’ has the potential to elicit very strong negative emotions towards these norm-violating (sub)groups. Furthermore, such emotions can further translate into a stronger endorsement of punishment-based governmental decisions to contain the virus.The consequences of such shifted [A6] attitudes towards foreigners should not be underestimated. As the Head of the United Nations, António Guterres, stated, the COVID-19 outbreak is unleashing “a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scaremongering”. Seven hundred years ago, there was an increase in anti-Jew hatred during the Black Death. Now, we can also notice a rise in prejudice towards Asians in other
studies[A7] , and towards (disobeying) Italians in our study. When governments blame such foreign groups, they might opt for harsher confinement measures.
[A8] Their citizens might perceive such decisions as more legitimate, and potentially become more hostile towards foreigners.[A9]Such negative spiral readily exacerbates international tensions. It is therefore of utmost importance to avoid thinking in terms of the “us-versus-them” divide. We
a[A10] dvocate policy makers to create a sense of inclusive togetherness, and promote collective resilience and international solidarity. As an optimistic endnote,
it seems that people
endorse such solidarity- based measures
to a greater extent
than retributive measures, even for deviant
foreigners. The future will tell whether or not such methods will be effective to fight future pandemics.[A11]

1. In general, people are more in favor of assistance (solidarity-based) confinement measures, because retributive (punishment-based) policies go against core democratic values such as personal freedom. 2. News reports about norm-deviating groups trigger negative emotions (e.g., anger, condemnation, disgust), which can cause support for retributive measures. 3. Support for retributive measures was highest when people read news about norm-violating foreigners, indicating that people might blame foreigners for spreading the virus rather than fellow nationals that disobey hygiene standards and social distancing.

News about other national groups breaking the ‘corona-rules’ has the potential to elicit very strong negative emotions.As the Head of the United Nations, António Guterres, warned, governments should be careful that the COVID-19 outbreak does not unleash “a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scaremongering”. It is therefore of utmost importance to avoid thinking in terms of the “us-versus-them” divide. We advocate policy makers to create a sense of inclusive togetherness, and promote collective resilience and international solidarity during these unprecedented times.

Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University; Department of Experimental Clinical and Health psychology, Ghent University

charlotte.schrooyen@ugent.be

Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Clinical developmental psychology

marielotte.vanbeveren@ugent.be

Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Clinical developmental psychology

Deinze, Flanders, Belgium

Department of Developmental, Personality, and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Clinical developmental psychology

Parents of children between 10-14 with internalizing, externalizing or overweight problems who request for help at school

Department of Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology, UGent

jonas.lang@ugent.be, zen.goh@monash.edu

Department of Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology, UGent

gudrun.reindl@ugent.be; jonas.lang@ugent.be

Department of Social Work and Social Pedagogy - Centre for the Social Study of Migration and Refugees (CESSMIR)

The aim is to document the psychosocial impact of covid-19 and the related measures for different groups of migrants and refugees across the globe in order to formulate recommendations for policy makers and practitioners

Key findings of first publication: 1. Almost one out of three refugees and migrants tested positive themselves or had a loved one who tested positive. 2. Not all would seek medical care in case of (suspected) COVID-19-infection, because of lack of financial means, fear of deportation, lack of availability of health care providers or entitlement to health care. 3. A large majority of refugees and migrants take precautions, to avoid COVID-19-infections, and follow the government-initiated preventive measures, especially increased handwashing, keeping physical distance and covering nose and mouth. 4. Those living on the street report more difficulty in following measures related to increased handwashing, while those living in a refugee camp or asylum center report more difficulties following rules regarding physical distancing. 5. Refugees and migrants rely on different sources of information about COVID-19 from the news, from friends and family and from social media, both in the home as in the host country. 6. NGOs and supporting organisations do play a key role in information provision on COVID-19 for certain groups and in certain regions. 7. The COVID-19-pandemic, including the government-initiated measures, have strongly impacted the lives, in all its domains, of all refugees and migrants. Overall ,they report a greater struggle with access to work, safety and financial means since the outbreak of COVID-19. 8. Most refugees and migrants report that depressive feelings, anxiety, worries and loneliness are seriously worsened since the COVID-19 outbreak and have a lot of worries related to COVID-19. 9. Having lost one’s income increases the likelihood for worsened mental health problems. 10. Thirteen to 17% of the refugees and migrants experience more discrimination because of their origin or religion than before the pandemic 11. The most effective strategies to feel better for respondents are staying in contact with family and friends, entertaining oneself, seeking information and meditating/praying.

Policy implications of first publication: 1. Reduce language and financial barriers to seeking health care for refugees and migrants. 2. Targeted and accessible information for all. 3. Adress discrimination and stigmatization and actively focusing on sensitization campaigns ro rpevent it. 4. Improve daily living conditions for different groups of migrants and refugees, especially those living in more precarious situations, such as on the street or as undocumented migrants. 5. Ensure psychological support and foster connectedness for refugees and migrants during and after the pandemic. 6. Ensure participation of refugees and migrants as part of the solution in response plans for COVID-19

Violent behavior within the relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic: examining the effect of psychopathic traits, emotion regulation and dyadic coping

Experimental Clinical and health psychology, Ghent University + De Waag (NL) + Emergis (NL)

https://nlpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_79gi4DTcXtoBAR7

Belgium/Netherlands

Experimental Psychological Research on Autism (EXPLORA)

Adults from the general population and adults wiht autism

Belgium, the Netherlands, The United Kingdom

The impact on the mental health and daily lives of adults on the autism spectrum, and insight into how autistic adults can be supported.

International study on the impact of a global stressor (COVID-19) on intimate relationships

Family lab (Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology)

https://covid19-codebook.limequery.com/736347?newtest=Y&lang=nl

general population: cohabiting couples

Flanders Marine Institute, Ghent University, KULeuven

Belgium, Dutch speaking population

Those living near the coast experience a better well-being than those living inland due to the opportunity to visit the coast during the lockdown. This study helps us better understand the effect of the coast on our wellbeing.

Having access to the coast in times of crisis serves as a potential buffer aganist negative psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The emotion of awe could be a protective factor aganist boredom.

Promote the use and access of the coast to reduce boredom and worry and increase happiness. Encourage people to focus on their emotions, such as awe, while being at the coast.

FTI UMONS & Clinical Psychology Dpt UMONS

anne.delizee@umons.ac.be

Adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies in response to COVID-19-related distress

Ghent Experimental Psychiatry Lab, Psychopathology and Affective Neuroscience Lab (Ghent University)

Belgium (Flemish part)

Understanding which cognitive emotion regulation strategies are most dangerous and most beneficial in response to Covid-19

https://www.ugent.be/pp/ekgp/nl/onderzoek/onderzoeksgroepen/gezondheidspsychologie/gedrag-welzijn-covid19.htm

Health action process approach determinants are associated with adherence to physical distancing measures. Future work could therefore design HAPA‐based interventions to support people in adhering to these measures.

Ellen Cruyt, Patricia De Vriendt, Miet De Letter, Peter Vlerick, Kristine Oostra, Robby De Pauw, Patrick Calders, Arnaud Szmalec, Dominique Van de Velde

Ellen Cruyt, Patricia De Vriendt, Miet De Letter, Peter Vlerick, Kristine Oostra, Robby De Pauw, Patrick Calders, Arnaud Szmalec, Dominique Van de Velde

https://www.activiteitencoronacrisis.ugent.be/limesurvey/index.php/345924

Performing meaningful activities during lockdown, is associated with mental health in Belgian adults.

Insights from this study can be taken into account during future lockdown measures in case of pandemics.

GHPlab members, Tom Van Daele,...

GIGA-Cyclotron Research Center and Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience (ULiège)

Christina.schmidt@uliege.be

Cellini, N., Conte, F., De Rosa; O., Giganti, F.,Malloggi, S., Reyt, M., Guillemin, C., Schmidt, C., Muto, V., Ficca, G.L. (in press). Changes in sleep timing and subjective sleep quality during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy and Belgium: age, gender and working status as modulating factors. Sleep Medicine.

Health Psychology, URiSS, ULiège

aurelie.wagener@uliege.be

Our study aims at investigating the impact of the COVID-19 crises on stress and related variables such as emotions and health-related concepts (e.g., irrealistic optimism).

May 2020 - Still ongoing (longitudinal design also)

Wagener, A., Stassart, C., & Etienne, A-M. Submission is planned by the end of March.

Environmental satisfaction consists in a variable of interest for clinical practice and should certainly be considered in the future recommendations to handle the pandemic.

Health Psychology, URiSS, ULiège

Parents of children between 4 and 13 years old

- Take care of family cohesion: Identify, through repeated evaluation, difficulties in living together within the family to act early (eg: take time for yourself, pass the baton momentarily, ...) - Maintain social contacts: social ties improve a child's resilience skills in complex situations. Creative approaches to stay connected are therefore very important (eg writing letters, video conversations, etc.) - Create a secure emotional environment: Importance of maintaining a routine to give children a sense of security and predictability such as setting regular bed and meal times, daily learning and play times.

- Have appropriate communication: Faced with children's concerns and questions, it is important to have honest communication that is appropriate to the child's age. Children's exposure to social media and adult conversations about the pandemic should be limited as these channels are less age-appropriate.

Lessons for Higher Education from the COVID-19 Transition to Online Teaching and Learning

IFRES (Institut de Formation et de Recherche en Enseignement Supérieur), ULiège

olivier.luminet@uclouvain.be

Belgium, French part (and international)

Identification of the psychological determinants (e.g. appraisal, emotions, TPB) influencing recommended and reactional behaviors

Illuminetti lab (UCLouvain)

aline.cordonnier@ucloucain.be

French speaking part of Belgium

We examine how people remember and/or imagine certain key moments of their past/future (first day of confinement, first get together with family post confinement, 21st of July) and what emotions are associated with these thoughts. We also examine expected consequences (good and bad) of the situation for the individual and the collective

March - April 2020 + end of May + end of July

Impact of the mass medias on risk perception, trust in national representatives, and anxiety feelings during the COVD-19 pandemic

Institute of Langage & Communication (G. Lits; L.-A. Cougnon); Psychological Sciences Research Institute (A. Heeren); Institute of Neuroscience (B. Hanseeuw)

alexandre.heeren@uclouvain.be

Impact of the mass medias on risk perception, trust in national representatives, and anxiety feelings during the COVD-19 pandemic

Corona Diaries - a daily diary study to examine the impact of the Corona crisis on well-being

Yasemin Erbas, Marlies Houben, Marta Walentynowicz, Egon Dejonckheere, Katleen van der Gucht, Peter Kuppens

Yasemin.erbas@kuleuven.be

Through a 2-month daily diary study, we aim to assess the impact of the corona crisis on (changes in) emotions, behavior and well-being, both within and between persons. Participants also have access to two mindfulness exercises and we will examine how the use of these exercises affect emotions, behavior and well-being.

International study on increased value and interest in nursing due to corona crisis - also among men, affecting future shortages

Colette van Laar, Loes Meeussen, Sanne Van Grootel, Toni Schmader, Kate Block, Sarah Martiny, Maria Olsson, Carolin Schuster, Alyssa Croft

KU Leuven - social and cultural psychology

colette.vanlaar@kuleuven.be

Cross-national study of students at universities in different countries

Insight into changes in value to nursing due to corona crisis, insight into changes in male interest in communal roles (here nursing and teaching) following positive attention to nursing and teaching

KU Leuven University | Health Psychology

 johannes.vlaeyen@kuleuven.be

link to survey: https://kuleuven.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gzeykxf5clpTdr 

Belgian and International

we decided to create a survey to assess how the restrictions due to the coronavirus have impacted the life of other PhD students and researchers like us. We think this is a great opportunity to have a voice within the academic community and to show how our well-being, work, and social interactions within the work place have changed. Based on this information, we hope to provide KU Leuven with valuable information which can be further used to improve the actions directed towards minimizing the impact of this pandemic on the PhD student population.

Take-home message:
• Living alone predicted stronger decline in mental health.
• PhD Students with lower contact with the supervisor were at higher risk of poor work satisfaction, motivation, and productivity.
• Internationals may be at higher risk of poor work satisfaction and motivation, but not productivity.
• The majority of PhD students indicated that the lockdown affected their research activities/planning.

Policy implications:
• Designing a contact point for free and professional psychological support targeting PhD students;
• Providing PhD students who live alone more freedom on where they want to telework.
• Providing funding extension to PhD students whose research activities/planning has been mostly affected;
• Allowing changes in the doctoral plan,
• Changing regulation on minimal requirements to obtain PhD (e.g., reducing minimum number of studies).

Sensory sensitivity in patients with COVID-19 and post intensive care syndrome

KU Leuven, Department of Brain and Cognition + RevArte Rehabiliation Hospital

celine.gillebert@kuleuven.be

Patients with COVID-19 rehabilitating after post intensive care syndrome

The primary aim is to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of atypical sensory sensitivity in patients with COVID-19 and post-intensive care syndrome. The secondary aim is to relate atypical sensory sensitivity to mental or physical fatigue, post-traumatic stress symptoms and cognitive deficits in these patients.

KU Leuven, UAntwerpen, UGent, VUB

kris.vandenbroeck@uantwerpen.be

https://watermark.silverchair.com/mzaa158.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAr8wggK7BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggKsMIICqAIBADCCAqEGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQMhuptRxB7VqpHbA5PAgEQgIICclQFe2gFDXGF-cMUgl_CSD-iqHqOa188Gfd_1RqALDYZabpZcufQYCheLhEE93uPx6FedgAZhcYJklmN2TMomjR3vmjxv6hyU7WjCG_Sb_lmwABZ6OAUApORJN-frN_LyXnlocjNKdJbm6Z8lEfn4rl5tbkeshD5P__RACj7qysjOzME4lO5MXs_7HngLqLxAgSLfG9_72gx9iB59f2JeNo2W57naKO-lNtqQlG3PetpccTsjhadwQ_BBNxu7cdPzjYeF7-BaJDNwyBmn9E0Yfw2Gp8SUxktAVEhVMPW0_J_TwFNqgqW0oRtElyQaS5-khusefczw9fiU4B2o8NwwbDXZtwv8rXdPagBqIs8RDfvXbkOZ9l1D8EsJaw5b3x2PwAcW6yj3uQGOFzQ4NbpcpDnlUeVUU9hfR0g_qGobrJhO8VQy11CySfkgRC5HA-xBrW3A7RqPIoc40c44_PlxLRYl_-sS_JfjDGEspUDTUV401fL0WZPOM3mT91XEm7yX6fOgiKQ3lbPwN4bWnrDTFWF_fBCuc1fp6ctCCvmmvEAlyuEpjpLmPoj3DuzIdozCA8cilzMrQll1wv9bo_8OaV6uxlR7Plyk70EIq_GQpEpXN_X6t6OHQ1Rn6O0X5tLG5fJ-9VgIKDiOwTHE4cJjM_NYzFP9p4ofNZTysiTAu-cNNJW7up1s-7d7PncYY98ZE6NhNHgPPRm8nQGPymAZ5g2bDQtulezVKg5zBUVgSYccTP3Rxh3VkaIQOvmygcDIjc3wReDrnHHFUFmhMONdEVajvhZz3jb_proAmOhmPIKKVKYRdAwQWQtfhAFDgQJYMi8

LIPLab (Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology), Ghent University

Pieter.VanDessel@UGent.be

When promoting wanted behavior such as social distancing during the Covid-19 lockdown, it is important to emphasize the personally relevant positive consequences of this behavior.

To promote adherence to covid-19 guidelines, making minor changes to the environment can be effective. However, it might be of key importance to take into account the cognitive determinants of behaviour (e.g., goals).

LIPLab (Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology), Ghent University

Pieter.VanDessel@UGent.be

Louvain Experimental Psychopathlogy research group (LEP, uclep.be)

pierre.maurage@uclouvain.be

French speaking part of Belgium

Identification of the psychological factors (e.g., motivations, social isolation, anxiety) influencing alcohol consumption during lockdown

We examined how drinking motives predict alcohol consumption under lockdown / College students substantially reduced consumption during lockdown / This reduction was particularly high among heavy drinkers / Enhancement and social motives predicted lower consumption during lockdown / Conversely, coping motives predicted higher consumption during lockdown

Since drinking motives predict consumption, their assessment could reduce the impact of future crises on alcohol use, by acting upstream at prevention (e.g., psychoeducation on alternative coping strategies) and clinical (e.g., prophylactic interventions towards individuals endorsing coping motives) levels.

Meaning Research Late Life

jessie.dezutter@kuleuven.be

Flemish speaking part of Belgium

English paper under review, Dutch report at https://ppw.kuleuven.be/meaning-and-existence/projecten_en_publicaties/oudere-volwassenen-en-geriatrische-zorg

Take-home message:
--> Our findings encourage the extensive efforts made by care staff to implement new modes of social contact during challenging times. More frequent engagement in social connectedness interventions was associated with less loneliness and less depressed feelings in residents, and especially video-calling may be protective when real-life contact is impossible.
 Continued activities with co-residents also provide important opportunities for social interaction, which may protect against feelings of loneliness.

 Investment in elderly care personnel is highly needed to take up whole person care, including attention for psychological well-being
 Safeguarding that residents are allowed to see at least one close contact is highly advised
 Taking precautions so that a minimum of social activities (meal sharing, television watching) can continue even during a lockdown might be important to protect against loneliness

Neuropsychology and Functional Imaging Research Group

Parental Burnout Reseach Lab

moira.mikolajczak@uclouvain.be

https://uclpsychology.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_02LE6m47hjSYtr7

French speaking part of Belgium

à The health crisis and lockdown does not impact all parents in the same way: it is a godsend for some, a nightmare for others. à PB can increase in any type of family and in any parent. What really influences the level of PB and the resulting child abuse is the parents' perception of the impact of the health crisis and lockdown on their parenting. à Certain situations deserve special attention: lockdown with young children, children with special needs or young adults... And parents who are teleworking AND facing increased workload because of the crisis.

For Policy-makers: à Putting support services in place for families with children with disabilities or behavioral problems; à Establish support services for families with children under the age of 4 (these children cannot look after themselves and their constant solicitations contribute to exhaustion of the parents and encourage acting out); à Putting in place supports for adolescents so that their frustration at being confined or semi-confined does not "backfire" on their parents.; à Asking employers to take steps to prevent increased workloads due to crisis or containment (having to telecommute AND care for children or teenagers at home is much more complicated when workloads increase); For employers:; à Taking active steps to prevent increased workloads due to crisis or containment (having to telecommute AND care for children or teenagers at home is much more complicated when workloads increase); For Media: à do not focus only on the negative aspects of the crisis but also on the opportunities (our research shows that subjective perception explains most of the variance of psychological distress during confinement, far beyond the objective situation of the parent and his family).

Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition/University of Liège

a.dargembeau@uliege.be

Belgium (French speaking) and Canada

Understanding how future-oriented thoughts are impacted by lockdown (the uncertainty and modifications of daily life that it generates)

Psychopathology and Affective Neuroscience lab (Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology)

We conducted a 28-day diary study to identify how cognitive (e.g., how people interpret ambiguous situations) and socio-affective (e.g., how much people engage in problem talk) processes work together to explain individual differences in the development of anxiety and depression during the first few weeks of the COVID-19 outbreak. We are also examining direct and indirect pathways through which consulted news media contribute to symptoms of psychopathology.

Impact of cognitive risk and resilience factors on development of depression & anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic

Psychopathology and Affective Neuroscience lab (Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology), Ghent University

malvika.godara@ugent.be

We examine risk and resilience factors impacting emotion regulation strategies and development of mood and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examine the impact of uncertainty and information-seeking behavior on development of depression and anxiety during the pandemic.

Only possible when the data analysis is complete

The Effects of Attention Training on Emotion Regulation and Stress Related Complaints During COVID-19

Psychopathology and Affective Neuroscience lab (Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Pyshcology), Ghent University

Only possible when the data analysis is complete

Exploration of relationship between parental distress and post-traumatic symptoms in children

Psychotraumatology, ARCh Research Unit, Department of Psychology ULieg

Adelaide.Blavier@uliege.be

Chartier, S., Delhalle, M., Baiverlin, A., & Blavier, A. (accepted). Parents' peri-traumatic stress and sense of parental competence in relation to covid-19 containment measures: What impact on their children's peri-traumatic distress? European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation

Psychotraumatology, ARCh Research Unit, Department of Psychology ULiege

Adelaide.Blavier@uliege.be

Psychotraumatology, ARCh Research Unit, Department of Psychology ULiege

Adelaide.Blavier@uliege.be

Research Group of Quantitative Psychology and Individual Differences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

massimo.koester@kuleuven.be

International (Prolific)

This study aims to investigate if implicit attitudes already changed in light of the COVID outbreak. In particular we are testing if implicit attitudes towards keeping physical distance from others have become more positive than attitudes towards being physically close to others. We furthermore aim to investigate if such a shift in attitudes can be explained by the values people attach to their own health, to the health of others and to the quality of their relationships.

The impact of school strategies and home environment on learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, in children with and without developmental disorders

Research in Developmental Disorders Lab (Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology), Ghent University

https://www.ugent.be/pp/ekgp/nl/onderzoek/onderzoeksgroepen/oss/deelnemers/onderzoek-corona.htm#thuisonderwijs--wat-gaat-goed-en-wat-niet--wat-is-de-impact-van-de-coronamaatregelen-op-leren-

(parents of) children between 5 and 18 year old (attending primary or secondary school)

Flanders (Dutch speaking)

The aim is to examine what does and doesn’t work in terms of distance teaching, while taking home environments into account. We furthermore want to investigate the longer-term impact of distance teaching, by identifying factors of the home learning period that might be positively or negatively related to getting behind at school six months after the reopening of the schools. Differences between children with and without developmental disorders are closely considered.

Phase 1: April 3 - April 17; Phase 2: May 7 - May 18; Phase 3: December 17 - January 18

Only possible when paper is available

Thomas More - Expertise Unit Psychology, Technology & Society

tom.vandaele@thomasmore.be

This survey from the EFPA Project Group on eHealth focuses on the current use of online consultation technology by psychologists and other mental healthcare professionals in the context of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic.The aim is to obtain an overview of current usage and main questions and concerns for adequately using online consultations. A first FAQ was derived based on preliminary analyses and can be found on http://ehealth.efpa.eu/covid-19/faq-on-online-consultations/

UAntwerpen + Stad Antwerpen

kris.vandenbroeck@uantwerpen.be

UCLouvain + UAntwerpen

kris.vandenbroeck@uantwerpen.be

International (Belgium and France)

Investigating the impact from confinement and social isolation on mental wellbeing / psychological distress (Measure: General Health Questionnaire 12 items)

Longitudinal study (March 2020, April 2020, June 2020, November 2020)

https://alfresco.uclouvain.be/alfresco/service/guest/streamDownload/workspace/SpacesStore/62501702-e9e3-4b77-a513-a7d518dc8578/rapport_covidetmoi_vague1et2.pdf?guest=true frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.575553/abstract

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, about two thirds of young people (aged 16 to 25 years old) experienced ‘mental distress’, which includes a broad range of non-specific mental health problems //While little difference was found between students and non-students or those with or without a chronic condition, mental distress was higher among women, those experiencing loneliness or low social support, and those with a large change in social media use and some everyday activities //Young people and women report lower mental health compared to men and older age groups even in normal conditions, but the pandemic seems to be contributing to an even growing inequality

Young people experience high levels of mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings indicate that the mental distress was highest among women, those experiencing loneliness or low social support and those whose usual everyday life is most affected. The psychological needs of young people, such as the need for peer interaction, should be more recognized and supported.

ULB, UCLouvain, UGent

Behavioral determinants of physical distancing; adoption of protective behaviours such as hand-washing, physical distancing, self-isolation

Impact of children’s autobiographical memory on well-being during lockdown : What role for parental reminiscing ?

ULiège - Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Unit

christina.leonard@uliege.be

Belgium (French part)

First, we assume that children with less detailed memories of events that had taken place during lockdown will have lower levels of well-being during lockdown. Moreover, we want to explore the possible role that parent-child discussions about the past might play in the relationship between autobiographical memory and well-being during lockdown .

Working conditions for employees forced to telework in the COVID19 context: impact on well-being at work, performance and work-home interference

Anne-Sophie Nyssen (ULiege) - Edwin Wouters, Guido Van Hal et dr. Veerle Buffel (Anvers) - prof. Piet Bracke (Ga nd)

ULiege, University of Antwerp, Ghent University

Veerle.Buffel@uantwerpen.be, edwin.wouters@uantwerpen.be, guido.vanhal@uantwerpen.be, Piet.bracke@ugent.be

https://uantwerpen.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_03vj3yQy43k4awZ?Q_lang=FR

ULiege, Vrije Universiteit van Brussels

Bilsen johan.bilsen@vub.be, iris.steenhout@vub.be

https://vub.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0ICsOWDvcwcCVkp?Q_Language=EN-GB

ACADMIN-COVID: WORK AND WELFARE AMONG ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL STAFF WITHIN THE UNIVERSITY

ULiege, Vrije Universiteit van Brussels

Bilsen johan.bilsen@vub.be, iris.steenhout@vub.be

This study aims to map the effect that working from home is having on the work and welfare of administrative staff, technicians and workers

wivine.blekic@umons.ac.be

We intended to highlight the crutial need to target intolerance to uncertainty in psychological interventions. Furthermore, we raised the importance of taking the context (timing) of research into consideration. The psychological distress varies according the different stages of lockdown / pandemy and therefore, general conclusions needs to be avoided

27th of April 2020 to the 4th of May 2020

Bien-être et le vécu scolaire des élèves du secondaire durant la période de (dé)confinement

Université de Liège et l’UCLouvain

Ariane.Baye@uliege.be; liesje.coertjens@uclouvain.be; benoit.galand@uclouvain.be; dlafontaine@uliege.be

https://uclpsychology.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_esx4c27SRdggt1j

This study aims to map students' well-being during the lockdown. It also examines how they experience the distance education during this period

VUB, Université de Liège & l’UCLouvain

https://uclpsychology.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b4pNOjJ7zZPR6f3

students in last 2 year of primary education & secondary education

We willen graag weten hoe jij school beleeft tijdens de lockdown en nu de scholen geleidelijk herstarten. Ben je ouder dan 10 jaar? Dan kan je je ervaringen met ons delen via deze vragenlijst. Invullen kan op computer, tablet of smartphone tot 30 juni 2020, en duurt tussen 10 en 15 minuten.

Impact of covid-19 lockdown on employees' work-family balance, social support, and burnout

Work and Organizational Psychology, VUB - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

International (the Netherlands)

A dynamic systems approach to study how the imposed lockdown affected within-person changes in work-family balance, social support, and burnout. We examine if there is an impact of the lockdown and how this impact unfolds over time. We compare the impact to that of another type of work interruption, namely holidays

We find that the lockdown led to an increase in work-to-life spillover, a decrease in resources, and had a mixed impact on burnout symptoms (increase in cynicism and decrease in exhaustion). These effects worsened as the lockdown continued.

Governments need to carefully balance the need for a lockdown against the potential consequences on the wellbeing of employees.

maarten.vansteenkiste@ugent.be

Investigating the complex interrelation between multimedia use and mentall wellbeing at times of physical distancing

Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University

Given the strong heterogeneity in how physical distancing measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 affected individuals, we wanted to investigate whether the complex interplay between multimedia use and indicators of (dys)functioning was contingent on personal or situational factors

The complex interplay between media use and different indicators of wellbeing at times of physical distancing are impacted by context factors such as housing condition and at risk state for complications following infection from COVID-19.

Raise awareness regarding the role of multimedia to stay informed with measures taking to prevend the spread of COVID-19, as well as to stay connected with one's social network

Herbert Roeyers, Sarah Schaubroeck, Floor Moerman, Sofie Boterberg, Jasmine Siew, Arianna Zanatta

Parents of toddlers (2-6 years) with ASD

The spread of COVID-19 has resulted in unprecedented change to life as we know it, including, closure of
schools, community spaces and increased levels of teleworking. This is a stressful time for most families who will have to
adapt and adhere to new norms, but in particular, likely creates a unique set of challenges for children with Autism
Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition, characterized by difficulties in
reciprocal social communication, restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour, and atypical sensory responses. While
children with ASD often struggle with normative changes to their daily routine, sudden and drastic changes to school and
family life may be especially difficult to navigate. For example, adapting to homeschooling, cancellations in activities and
alterations in social contact with peers and teachers. Therefore it is important to understand what effect such changes to
daily life has had on children with ASD and their families. In particular, the impact on core ASD symptoms – specifically
restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, as well as secondary problems (e.g., sleeping). In addition, how parents
have adapted their behaviour in terms of involvement in caregiving tasks and quality of interaction with their children.

Brent Hendrickx (masterstudent KUL, data collection for Belgium), Craig Smith (Vanderbilt University), Brian Parkinson (Oxford University, data collection UK)

Experimental psychology, emotion and social relations, Oxford university

brent.hendrickx@psy.ox.ac.uk

Flanders, Belgium + 13 other countries

Investigating the impact of the pandemic on people's thoughts and emotions across 13 countries (this survey is made by Craig Smith, Vanderbilt university)

Depressive symptoms in higher education students during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A comparison of risk factors across various high- and middle-income countries.

University of Antwerp, Ghent University (and C19-ISWS partners)

Veerle.Buffel@uantwerpen.be, Sarah.vandevelde@uantwerpen.be; edwin.wouters@uantwerpen.be, guido.vanhal@uantwerpen.be, Piet.bracke@ugent.be

26 countries and around 160 Higher eucation institutions

This study aims to map cross-national differences in depression and the related covid-specific stressor among higher education students during the first wave of the Covid Outbreack

Data is collected + first drafte is written

Disentangling depression in Belgian higher education students amidst the first COVID-19 lockdown
(April-May 2020)

Jeroen De Man, Veerle Buffel, Sarah van de Velde, Piet Bracke, Guido Van Hal, Edwin Wouters, for the Belgian COVID-19 International Student Well-being Study (C19 ISWS) team

No man is an island: Psychological underpinnings of prosociality in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak

KU Leuven, Ghent University, Univeristy Roma la Sapienza

emanuele.politi@kuleuven.be

Bonding and bridging forms of prosociality are analyzed and discussed, together with reccomandations on how to reinforce helping behaviours and preserve intergroup relations in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak

An integrated COVID-19 threat framework: General and immigrant-specific threat appraisals from an intergroup perspective

Emanuele Politi, Adrian, Lueaders, Antoine Roblain, Eva Spiritus-Beerden, Joel Anderson, Jasper Van Assche, Sindhuja Sankaran, Eva Green, Ilse Derluyn, An Verelst, Saskia De Jonghe, & Karen Phalet

KU Leuven, Ghent University, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Université Clermont Auvergne, Australian Catholic University, Jagiellonian University of Kraków, University of Lausanne

emanuele.politi@kuleuven.be

General population, Immigrants, refugees, and ethnic minorities

We propose an exaustive taxonomy of COVID-19-related threats experienced by the general population and immigrant minority groups. From threat assessment we move to possible implications for intergroup relations and propose moderating factors leading threat to enhance prosociality and intergroup helping

alexandre.heeren@uclouvain.be

data is collected; we're now analyzing the data

KU Leuven University | Health Psychology

marta.walentynowicz@kuleuven.be

Belgian and International

The aim of this survey was to assess how the restrictions due to the coronavirus have impacted the life of postdoctoral researchers at KU Leuven. Based on this information, we hope to provide KU Leuven with valuable information which can be further used to improve the actions directed towards minimizing the impact of this pandemic on the postdoctoral researchers.

KU Leuven | Centre for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology

sara.scheveneels@kuleuven.be

Individuals who had COVID-19 symptoms

Flanders and the Netherlands

The aim of this study is to investigate whether psychological factors are involved in experiencing long-term COVID-19 symptoms.

COVID-19. Reaching vulnerable migrant and ethnic minority communities in Antwerp through community engagement

Christiana Nöstlinger, Koen Peeters, Ella Van Landeghem, Jef Van Hamel, Charles Ddungu et al.

Institute of Tropical Medicine/Deaprtment of Public Health

Sub-Saharan African migrants, - Jewish and Turkish/Morroccan communities

Belgian (Antwerp metropolitan region)

To rapidly assess information and prevention needs among vulnerable migrant and ethnic minority groups in the Antwerp metropolitan area to inform community engagement strategies

Unité de Recherche Santé et Société (URISS; ULiège)

mvanderhaegen@uliege.be

https://surveys.fplse.uliege.be/surveys/intro.php?m=0&surveylng=Fr

Belgian students (bachelor and master degree)