Large Gatherings? No, Thank You. Devaluation of Crowded Social Scenes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In most European countries, the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic (spring 2020) led to imposition physical distancing rules, resulting in a drastic and sudden reduction real-life social interactions. Even people not directly affected by virus itself were impacted their and/or mental health, as well financial security, governmental lockdown measures. We investigated whether combination these events had changed people's appraisal scenes testing 241 participants recruited mainly Italy, Austria, Germany an online, preregistered study conducted about 50 days after beginning outbreak Europe. Images depicting individuals alone, small groups (up four people), large (more than seven people) rated terms valence, arousal, perceived distance. Pre-pandemic normative ratings obtained from validated database (OASIS). Several self-report measures also taken, condensed into factors through factor analysis. All images more arousing compared pre-pandemic period, greater decrease interactions reported participants, higher arousal. As expected, only gatherings less positively during, before, pandemic. These valence were, however, moderated that included participants' number isolation, relationship closeness, threat. Higher scores on this associated with positive alone groups, suggesting increased appreciation safer situations, such intimate small-group contacts. The same was inversely related distance between impact contagion-related worries representation interpersonal space. findings point rapid compelling psychological consequences imposed during perception groups. Further studies should assess long-term typical everyday life is restored.