Middle Eastern Journal of Disability Studies

Abstract
Background & Objectives: Given the severity of the disease's spread, the World Health Organization declared a state of emergency on February 4, 2020, and many countries subsequently announced national quarantine. An epidemic of a disease is not only a physical phenomenon but also affects individuals and communities on many levels. Fear of illness, death, the spread of false news and rumors, disruption of daily activities, implementation of restrictive measures preventing public presence, going to places or meeting with other families, creating job–related issues and their consequences, and putting the mental health of individuals at risk in society. In addition, quarantine and restrictions are forms of isolation that are psychologically unpleasant and distressing. Based on previous research, cognitive processes can help individuals manage their emotions after experiencing difficult life events. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the role of cognitive–emotional regulation and distress tolerance in predicting the psychological well–being of hospitalized patients with COVID–19 during quarantine.
Methods: We conducted descriptive–analytical research of correlational type. The statistical population comprised all outpatients with COVID–19 during quarantine in 2019. According to Green's model (2003), a minimum sample size of 106 was necessary to achieve better results and prevent bias. However, 150 individuals were selected using convenience sampling, based on their availability and meeting the inclusion criteria, through online platforms and virtual applications (WhatsApp & Telegram). The inclusion criteria were as follows: being infected with the COVID–19 disease on an outpatient basis and spending time in quarantine, being older than 18 years, being literate more than junior high school level, and providing written consent to participate in the research. The exclusion criteria were hospitalization of the affected person, age range less than 18 years, literacy level lower than junior high school, and not consenting to participate in the research. The research tools included the Cognitive–Emotional Regulation Questionnaires (Garnefski & Kraaij, 2006), the Distress Tolerance Scale (Simmons & Gaher, 2005), and the Psychological Well–Being Scale–Short–Form (Ryff, 1989). The research data were analyzed using SPSS software. The Pearson correlation and linear multiple regression analysis were performed at a significance level of less than 0.05.
Results: The results of the Pearson correlation showed a positive and significant relationship between emotional cognitive regulation (and its subscales) (r=0.771) and distress tolerance (and its subscales) (r=0.677) with psychological well–being in outpatients with COVID–19 (p<0.001). The results of the multiple regression analysis with the simultaneous model showed that both variables of distress tolerance and cognitive–emotional regulation together predict psychological well–being by 73%. Also, cognitive emotional regulation (p<0.001, β=0.493) and distress tolerance (p=0.005, β=0.275) positively and meaningfully predict psychological well–being. In addition, cognitive–emotional regulation (Beta=0.493), with a higher beta value, was considered a stronger predictor of psychological well–being.
Conclusion: According to the research results, emotional cognitive regulation and distress tolerance significantly predict the psychological well–being of hospitalized patients with COVID–19 during quarantine.