Worry, coping, and psychological distress under low-dose ionizing radiation exposure: long-term psychological impact among residents of radiation-contaminated buildings.

UNLABELLED: Long-term psychological effects of low-dose radiation exposure have received limited attention. This study examined radiation-related worry, coping, and psychological distress among residents exposed to contaminated buildings in Taiwan, and tested the mediating roles of approach and avoidant coping.

METHODS

a cross-sectional survey (2022-2023) recruited 268 residents with prior exposure. Radiation-related worry, coping strategies, and psychological distress were assessed using validated scales. Correlation and multiple regression analyses evaluated associations and mediation.

RESULTS

overall worry and distress were low, yet they were modestly but significantly correlated (r= .207,p< .01). Approach coping partially mediated the relationship between worry and distress, and was also directly associated with higher distress (β= 0.158,p< .01). Avoidant coping was positively associated with distress (β= 0.247,p< .01) but was not significantly related to worry, and thus did not serve as a mediator.

CONCLUSIONS

even decades later, radiation-related worry remains positively associated with psychological distress. Coping strategies appear to play complex roles: approach coping may be linked to higher distress in uncontrollable contexts, while avoidant coping is independently associated with distress. In long-term, low-dose radiation exposure contexts, interventions focusing on managing excessive engagement and recalibrating active coping strategies may help individuals to achieve better psychological adjustment.