biostudies-literatureTopazian RJNIOSH CDC HHS869https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9058736biostudies-literatureUnknown22(1)<h4>Background</h4>To examine the relationship between civic association participation and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly whether different forms of engagement mitigate the increased rates of psychological distress throughout 2020.<h4>Methods</h4>Panel survey data collected from a nationally representative cohort of 1222 U.S. adults. Data was collected in three waves in April, July, and November 2020. Psychological distress was measured using the validated Kessler-6 instrument in November 2020.<h4>Results</h4>Respondents belonging to political associations were more likely to experience psychological distress (difference in predicted level of psychological distress on a 0-1 scale: 0.098, p ≤ .05) relative to those in unknown associations. However, individuals in political associations who more frequently interacted with others had lower levels of psychological distress (-.065, p ≤ .05) compared to those in political associations with less frequent interactions.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Civic engagement that facilitates interpersonal interactions may protect against psychological distress.BMC public healthCivic engagement and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.PMC9058736T42 OH008428Topazian RJHan HMcGinty EELevine ASBarry CLfalseCivic engagement and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.<h4>Background</h4>To examine the relationship between civic association participation and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly whether different forms of engagement mitigate the increased rates of psychological distress throughout 2020.<h4>Methods</h4>Panel survey data collected from a nationally representative cohort of 1222 U.S. adults. Data was collected in three waves in April, July, and November 2020. Psychological distress was measured using the validated Kessler-6 instrument in November 2020.<h4>Results</h4>Respondents belonging to political associations were more likely to experience psychological distress (difference in predicted level of psychological distress on a 0-1 scale: 0.098, p ≤ .05) relative to those in unknown associations. However, individuals in political associations who more frequently interacted with others had lower levels of psychological distress (-.065, p ≤ .05) compared to those in political associations with less frequent interactions.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Civic engagement that facilitates interpersonal interactions may protect against psychological distress.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 May2024-11-14T00:18:04.041Z2024-11-14T00:18:04.041ZS-EPMC90587363550184210.1186/s12889-022-13289-4