摘要：In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, unprecedented measures have been taken worldwide, which daily overcharge people with stress and uncertainty. Under these circumstances, psychopathological aftermaths, including trauma-related ones, are constantly lurking. This can be particularly true for people with previous exposure to potentially traumatic events at different life stages. Nevertheless, only a minority of trauma survivors develop PTSD, suggesting that individuals vary in predispositions. Hence, the importance of understanding risk factors for suffering among individuals. The study aims at exploring the relationship between previous exposure to traumatic events, perceived stress, and fear of the pandemic. Method: Data was collected from 547 adult participants recruited online, living in Egypt, Germany, or Italy. Participants were divided into groups according to their previous exposure to traumatic events, as assessed with the Adverse Childhood Experiences Checklist, Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5, and PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Perceived stress and fear of the pandemic were measured with the six-items version of the Perceived Stress Scale and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, respectively. Results: Results show higher perceived stress in participants who were exposed to traumatic events during their childhood, than in later stages of their lives and never. Groups exposed to traumatic experiences, either in childhood, adulthood, or both, expressed more Fear of COVID-19 than participants without experience of traumatic events, but the difference was not significant. Conclusions: Since stress and fear are risk factors for more severe psychopathological conditions, understanding their perception in different individuals can help to address specific populations with appropriate prevention and intervention programs.
