COVID‐19 and risk of retraumatization in adults with a past exposure to potentially traumatic events: A cross‐cultural exploration across Egypt, Germany, and Italy

AIMS: This study aims to: (1) explore the links between past exposure to potentially traumatic events, fear of contracting COVID‐19 and perceived stress; (2) investigate how the exposure to traumagenic experiences affects one's locus of control over their health; and (3) examine fear, stress reactions and differences in health locus of control across three different sociocultural contexts. METHODS: A total of 524 adult participants were recruited from Egypt, Germany, and Italy through online channels. Self‐reporting instruments were used to assess previous exposure to potentially traumatic events, PTSD symptoms, fear of COVID‐19, perceived stress, and health locus of control. RESULTS: Our findings highlight differences in reaction to COVID‐19 in relation to past exposure to potentially traumatic events and country of residence, both of which may inform tailored community‐based intervention practices. CONCLUSION: The impact of COVID‐19 might be particularly disruptive for people who survived potentially traumatic experiences. Nevertheless, the mass mental health impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic varies across different sociocultural contexts.