Association between Self-Restraint Behavior, Stigma and Depressive Tendency in Office Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan—Self-Restraint Behavior and Depression during the COVID-19

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced people to change their lifestyles, especially with respect restrictions on going out. Forced quarantine (i.e., lockdown) and self-restraint behavior (SRB), including self-quarantine, are suggested induce potential negative impacts public mental health. SRB seems be related governmental policies, each individual’s social background condition; however, no empirical studies have been conducted. Methods: 1053 participants (mainly office workers) from epidemic areas non-epidemic in Japan voluntarily conducted an online survey June 2020. We assessed COVID-19-related aspects such as the degree of SRB, motivation for stigma, anxiety depressive feelings due by original questionnaires) general health status (social MINI-SPIN, tendency PHQ-9, depression-related personality traits TACS-22 resilience TRS). Results: Regional comparison showed significant differences anxiety. People tend refrain Conversely, shun eye. Regardless status, proactive was associated higher anxiety, tendency, stronger psychological factors lower resilience. Moreover, had highest tendency. Discussion: present cross-sectional among workers that feelings, regardless where they live. Our key finding is Based finding, we herein propose following hypothesis: Higher levels may enhance which partly COVID-19. Limitations: tendencies avoid danger stigma were not evaluated. Conclusions: Depressive against Intervention non-clinical settings (e.g., workplaces) help citizens understand infectious situation appropriately behave effectively during pandemic. Further investigations should clarify findings.