Anxiety, depression and cognitive emotion regulation strategies in Chinese nurses during the COVID‐19 outbreak

Aims To explore the association between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and anxiety and depression among nurses during the COVID‐19 outbreak. Background Nurses play a vital role in responding to the COVID‐19 outbreak, but many of them suffer from psychological problems due to the excessive workload and stress. Understanding the correlation between cognitive emotion regulation strategies and anxiety and depression will promote targeted psychosocial interventions for these affected nurses. Methods This cross‐sectional study of 586 nurses was conducted in Eastern China. Participants completed online questionnaires that investigated anxiety, depression and cognitive emotion regulation strategies. Results The prevalence of nurses' anxiety and depression was 27.6% and 32.8%, respectively. Lower self‐blame, rumination and catastrophizing, as well as greater acceptance and positive refocusing, were related to fewer symptoms of anxiety or depression. Conclusion The cognitive emotion regulation strategies of acceptance and positive refocusing contribute to reducing anxiety or depression. These strategies should be considered when implementing psychotherapeutic interventions to improve nurses' adverse emotional symptoms. Implications for Nursing Management This study highlights the need to assess cognitive emotion regulation strategies use in screening for anxiety and depression. Nurse managers should develop psychosocial interventions including appropriate strategies to help nurses with adverse emotions during a pandemic.