Did Cognitive Attentional Syndrome Symptoms Predict Stress- and Trauma-Related Symptoms in the Initial Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic? Results from a Two-Wave Study on a Sample of Polish Internet Users

Background: According to metacognitive theory, Cognitive Attentional Syndrome (CAS) is a transdiagnostic factor and main mechanism of psychopathology maintenance. The goal this study examine whether CAS predicted stress- trauma-related symptomatology in the first months COVID-19 pandemic three later. Methods: Initially, 1792 participants were recruited online via social media; data collected at two time points. measures included Questionnaire, Adjustment Disorder—New Module 20, International Trauma additional measures. Results: Structural equation modeling was conducted order determine relations between reported stressors, CAS, symptomatology. At both points, significant mediator stressors symptoms adjustment disorder. Despite decrease intensity disorder waves, it predictor other psychopathologies except for traumatic stress. Conclusions: findings confirm assumption that has mediating role relationship co-occurring effect particularly initial phase pandemic, which highly stressful many people.