The Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Psychological Perspective

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mental health on the general population and stakeholders, and how the psychological factors have important consequences in creating public health rules. We used literature created before the pandemic and research developed during the outbreak. Additionally, we completed this review with an analysis of individual interviews and observations from welfare policies and managerial practices during the epidemic. The 2019 pandemic has been not only a biological pandemic but also a psychological-cultural pandemic. We found that cognitive elements are essential in the creation of public health procedures (to prevent unconscious cognitive biases or to anticipate reactions from the community). Following our assessment, the expert in the mental health fields and/or in social science should be included in the committee and decision-making group, both at the national and local levels. Note: This work was prepared in the period March 2020-February 2021. All facts and figures refer to that timeframe.