The Role of Anxiety Sensitivity Among Latinx COVID-19 Survivors

COVID-19 has led to significant psychological harm among Latinx persons within the United States. Latinx COVID-19 survivors have higher psychological vulnerability risks, particularly relating to fear of COVID-19 and psychological distress due to financial strain and social distancing. Anxiety sensitivity (AS) is conceptually known as “the fear of fear” and is a potential underlying factor that may increase the experience of psychological distress among Latinx COVID-19 survivors. On its own, AS is more malleable to clinical treatment, and therefore may be targeted individually to reduce the impact of psychological outcomes among Latinx with a prior COVID-19 diagnosis. The current study assessed the role of anxiety sensitivity as an underlying factor that may increase the experience of psychological distress among Latinx COVID-19 survivors. The relationship shown in the data suggests that among Latinx individuals with a prior COVID-19 diagnosis, anxiety sensitivity is an explanatory variable for the relationship between prior COVID-19 diagnosis and psychological outcomes such as fear of the outbreak, social distancing, and financial strain. Therefore, AS can be targeted and decreased through intervention, thus reducing the mental health impact of COVID-19.