Online psychological counselling during lockdown reduces anxiety symptoms and negative affect: Insights from Italian framework.

Carbone, Giuseppe Alessio; Zarfati, Alessandro; Nicoli, Maria Sole; Paulis, Andrea; Tourjansky, Gaia; Valenti, Giulia; Valenti, Enrico Maria; Massullo, Chiara; Farina, Benedetto; Imperatori, Claudio

Several studies have shown how COrona-VIrus Disease-19 (COVID-19) and the consequent isolation and quarantine measures could affect physical and mental well-being. Therefore, the increased request for support and assistance represents a critical challenge for clinicians requiring a reorganization of care systems. In this regard, online counselling has been identified as a useful tool in providing psychological assistance and support. Thus, the main purpose of the current study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a single online counselling session in reducing psychopathological symptoms (i.e., state anxiety and negative affect) and increasing individual well-being and positive affect during the first Italian lockdown. Fifty-three subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive an online counselling session (Online Counselling Group; OCG= 26) or to act as controls (Waiting List Group; WLG= 27). In the post-assessment, compared to WLG, the OCG showed a significant decrease in negative affect (18.04±6.30 vs 30.26±8.61; F1:47 = 29.448; p< .001; dppc2 = .92) and state anxiety (36.65±8.35 vs 48.04±11.51; F1:47 = 17.857; p< .001; dppc2 = .49). Considering the cyclical nature of COVID-19, with the possibility of new peaks and waves, it would be appropriate to examine the versatility and usefulness of online psychological counselling in the management of COVID-19 related distress.