Psychology of Pandemics Network
The PsyPan Network comprises mental health scientists, clinicians, and trainees from universities throughout Canada and the United States. Our network is led by Dr. Gordon Asmundson (University of Regina) and Dr. Steven Taylor (University of British Columbia).
Our mission is to provide an evidence-based knowledge hub that facilitates understanding of the role that psychological factors play in pandemics in order to meet the information needs of health-care scientists and professionals, decision-makers, and the public.
We are currently completing several studies in Canada and the U.S. to help better understand the psychology of pandemics, like COVID-19. The first study is a multi-wave population representative survey of Canadian and U.S. adult residents (view study details) hosted by Qualtrics. The second and most recent study is a survey of university students (view study details) for which we are actively recruiting participants. If you are a current or recently graduated university student and would like to participate, click here. The survey will take approximately 40 minutes to complete.
Through our research, we are compiling publications and resources to provide information about COVID-19 and pandemics to our colleagues, decision-makers, and the public.
COVID-19 Self-Assessments
Below are two anonymous online screening tools provided to help identify symptoms of COVID-19-related stress and general distress. These tools are intended to educate and are not designed to provide a clinical diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis for anxiety and stress and trauma-related conditions, which may include extreme distress in response to COVID-19, can only be made by a qualified, registered, and licensed mental health professional after a complete and comprehensive evaluation.
In the Media
June
Some people finding personal growth in pandemic gloom: study
'Game changer': COVID-19 pandemic may have lifelong impact for some, B.C. psychologist says
Entering post-COVID world sparks anxiety for some, but uneasiness is normal reaction: experts
May
CMHF’s Men’s Health Month Targets Mental Health
‘Hygiene Theatre’ Helps People Feel Safe During COVID-19, Says Psychologist
The Latest on Coronavirus Outbreak for May 21
Many Long for Taste of Pre-Pandemic Normalcy. Here’s Why Others Can’t Bear to Think of It
Numbers Won’t Tell Us When the Pandemic is Over
‘No Masks for the Vaccinated’: What the Latest US Mask Guidance Means
Why Our Public Memory is Key to Post-Pandemic Recovery
The psychology of post-pandemic life — why you might feel anxious about re-entry
Regina researcher Gordon Asmundson discusses reasons behind anti-mask attitudes
Report recommends prioritizing physical activity in the context of the pandemic
'Cave syndrome': Why some people may choose to stay home even after COVID-19 ends
Why B.C.'s summer of renewal likely won't look the same for everyone
As end of COVID-19 comes into focus, are we ready to party yet?
April
Timeline of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada
A Phenomenon Called Psychological Reactance Might Help Explain the Mindset of Anti-Maskers
No, OCD in a Pandemic Doesn’t Necessarily Get Worse with all that Extra Handwashing
COVID-19: Has ‘FOGO’ Got You No-Go? Here’s What You Can Do About a Fear of Going Out
Why pandemic fatigue makes it harder to follow restrictions right now
Articles older than 3 months can be found in the Archived News Articles below.
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