Statistical Methods

We first performed descriptive analyses on the main variables. Then, we used logistic regression models to examine the associations between the probability of increased perceived depressive feelings and gender, age, and difficulties experienced during the lockdown (Model 1). Then, we added to the model an interaction term between age and gender to test whether the two variables had a combined effect on the probability of increased depressive feelings (Model 2). Finally, we included three-way interactions between age, gender, and each of the potential issues experienced during the pandemic listed above. In other words, we tested whether age and gender moderated the effects on the worsened psychological well-being of reduction in physical activity, worsened relationship with the partner or with other people, having suffered income loss or loss of job, any difficulties with organizing work or study from home, death of a relative or friend due to COVID-19, or infection of a relative or friend (Model 3). To ease the interpretation of results, we calculated predicted probabilities by age and gender (based on estimates from Model 2) and by whether or not the respondents experienced each of the above-mentioned pandemic effects (based on Model 3).