The Effect of Perceptions and Attitudes Regarding COVID-19 on Somatization Symptoms and Empathy Skills

Koc, M.; Seyran, F.; Genis, B.; Sirin, B.; Gurhan, N.; Cosar, B.

Objective: Post- disaster somatization symptoms are common. However, these symptoms are among the psychiatric symptoms that are often overlooked. This study evaluates the relationship between somatization symptoms and empathy skills during the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: The study has a descriptive cross-sectional design. The study sample consists of a total of 1029 people, 658 of whom are healthcare workers and 371 of whom are non-health workers. The study used the measurement tools of Somatization Scale, Empathy Quotient Scale, Perception of COVID-19 (sub-dimension;dangerousness, contagiousness), and Avoidance Attitudes from COVID-19 (subdimension;behavioral avoidance, cognitive avoidance). Results: There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of marital status (p<0.001). The perception that the COVID-19 may lead to dangerous outcomes was an important variable that predicted healthcare workers' somatization symptoms (p<0.001). There was no significant relationship between somatization symptoms and the perception of COVID-19 dangerousness in non-healthcare workers (p=0.097). An increased risk perception associated with COVID-19 both in healthcare workers and other workers was found to have a reducing effect on the empathy ability of individuals. Conclusion: The vicious circle between somatization symptoms and perception of danger is a serious problem for healthcare workers. Increasing perception of the dangerousness associated with COVID-19 in both healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers has decreased the empathy ability of individuals. This may disrupt interpersonal relationships in the later stages of the pandemic.