Pandemics

Authored By: Gordon G. J. Asmundson, Michelle, M. Paluszek, Caeleigh A. Landry, Geoffrey S. Rachor, Dean McKay, & Steven Taylor

Public health measures put in place to contain the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing and self-isolation, have resulted in widespread emotional distress. People with pre-existing mental health conditions are generally more susceptible to psychological stressors, such as those...

Authored By: Dean McKay, Charlene Minaya, & Eric A. Storch

Government and health officials have put in places various public health measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 during this global pandemic (e.g., social distancing, wearing a mask). While these strategies are essential to containing the spread of the virus, they present unique challenges for people with fears of contamination...

Authored by: Michael J. Zvolensky, Laura Garey, Andrew H. Rogers, Norman B. Schmidt, Anka A. Vujanovic, … Conall O’Cleirigh

Authored by: Dean McKay and Gordon J.G. Asmundson

Principal Investigators: Dean McKay (Fordham University) and Gordon J. G. Asmundson (University of Regina)

COVID-19’s communicable nature has heightened global concerns around transmission as individuals struggle with the uncertainty of a disease invisible to the naked eye. Research on the Behavioral Immune System (BIS), the body’s behavioral and emotional response system that evolved to protect against potential illness, indicates that...