The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019 led to mass panic about its potential implications on global health. Research into previous pandemics such as swine flu, Ebola, and severe acute...Show moreThe outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019 led to mass panic about its potential implications on global health. Research into previous pandemics such as swine flu, Ebola, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have acknowledged the fear and development of mental health disorders. Especially anxiety concerning obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specifically contamination-based OCD, can be heightened during these times of health crises. Disgust sensitivity (DS) is a core elicitor in OCD symptomatology and can exacerbate pre-existing tendencies. Two hypotheses were proposed for this study investigating whether those with high levels of disgust sensitivity and high levels of obsessive-compulsive tendencies had increased levels of (1) Covid-19 stress and anxiety and (2) Covid-19 danger and contamination fears. A convenience sample of 184 respondents participated through an online survey including questionnaires such as the Disgust scale revised (DS-R), the Padua inventory, and the Covid-19 stress scale (CSS). Both hypotheses were confirmed as the results indicated a significant moderation effect of obsessive compulsive tendencies on the relationship between DS and CSS as well as for DS and Covid danger and contamination fears subscale of the CSS. This research can inform and contribute to the existing literature on stress regarding health pandemics and how OC tendencies can elevate it. Recommendations for the prevention of exacerbating pre-existing tendencies include giving effective education and coping mechanisms to educate individuals on how to help reduce stress and anxiety in the face of future world health crises.Show less