Psychological Distancing Usage Uniquely Predicts Reduced Perceived Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Emotion regulation is key to mitigating stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed 297 adults on their levels of perceived COVID-19 related stress and their usage of different emotion regulation strategies. Psychological distancing uniquely predicted lower overall stress related to COVID-19. Our results motivate future distancing interventions in this context.