In the unique context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, researchers and clinicians alike drew attention to the risks involved by physical and social isolation for mental health. Factors like resilience, gender, urban/rural environment, or preexisting anxiety can impact anxious states produced by home forced isolation. Based on these, we assumed that: i) there are significant differences in the level of anxiety (state) during the pandemic, depending on the living area of the subjects; ii) gender plays a moderating role in the relationship between resilience and anxiety; and iii) anxiety (trait), experiential avoidance, resilience, and family connectedness, determine the level of anxiety (state). The MemoryLab team conducted the present study on 495 subjects (n=411 women, age between 18 and 65). Of these, 350 live in large and medium urban areas, 63 in small urban areas, and 82 in rural areas. As instruments, we used The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI 2.0), The Acceptance and Action Questionnaire 2 (AAQ-2), The Aggression Questionnaire (AQ), The Family Connectedness Questionnaire, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale 10 (CD-RISC-10), as well as the standard division of living areas according to community size. Data collection took place online during the spring peak of the pandemic. According to ANOVA analysis, people living in small urban areas have a higher level of anxiety. The difference is significant compared to those living in large and medium cities and villages. Gender has no moderating role in the relationship between resilience and the anxiety state. Also, experiential avoidance, anxiety (trait), and resilience play a significant role on the level of anxiety (state), measured during social isolation. The results could be an important indicator for understanding psychological mechanisms guiding interventions to support the communities effectively.

Animal abuse and neglect represent important challenges in companion-animal practice, with veterinarians playing a central role in their identification and management. This study investigated how Romanian companion-animal veterinarians recognise and manage suspected cases of abuse and neglect, and explored the relationships between professional training, familiarity with animal welfare legislation, and clinical practices. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an original online questionnaire completed by 137 veterinarians. Descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were applied. Although 73% of respondents reported encountering suspected abuse cases, 93.4% said they had never received formal training in abuse identification, and 78.1% worked in practices without specific protocols for managing such cases. Reporting rates were low, with 71.5% of veterinarians never having submitted an official report. Neglect was identified as the most frequently encountered form of abuse. Significant associations were observed between familiarity with animal welfare legislation, level of training, and awareness of neglect, and veterinarians who perceived themselves as less prepared were more likely to express a need for additional education. These findings highlight critical gaps in veterinary training and institutional support, emphasising the need for structured educational programmes, lifelong learning and continuing professional development, standardised clinical procedures, and closer collaboration with authorities to improve animal welfare outcomes.