The ‘Typhoon Eye Effect’: determinants of distress during the SARS epidemic

This study examined the effect of the SARS crisis on the level of distress in people both in and around epidemic areas of China during the time of the crisis. We designed a questionnaire to measure personality factors, beliefs regarding SARS, behavioral responses to SARS, and distress levels. The level of exposure to SARS was not a primary determinant of experienced anxiety; indeed, nearness to the center of the epidemic was negatively related to anxiety levels. Instead, more subjective interpretations of the situation were the primary determinants of distress. We propose a ‘Typhoon Eye Effect’ metaphor to describe the spread of psychological distress.