EFFECTS OF FEAR OF COVID-19 ON PERCEIVED STRESS: MEDIATOR ROLES OF NEUROTICISM AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to identify effects of fear of COVID-19 on perceived stress through neuroticism and perceived social support as mediators during the early stage of the pandemic in Thailand.
Methods
A secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey was conducted. Data from the HOME-COVID-19 survey study during Wave I (April 21–May 4, 2020) were used for the analysis. Participants were general populations, non-health professional, ≥ 18 years living in Thailand. Mental health outcomes were assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 and Impact on QoL Scale for Fear of COVID-19 (FC), the Neuroticism inventory (NI), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support-12 (PSS), and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PS). Parallel multiple mediation model was used to test the mediation model.
Results
We included 3,299 participants in this study. The average FC score was 20.84±7.07, PS score 17.61± 5.76, NI score 36.27±9.57, and PSS score 59.01±13.48. Fear of COVID-19 had direct effect on perceived stress (β = 0.100, p < .001). Neuroticism mediated the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress (β = 0.024, 95%CI = 0.005-0.044). Only perceived social support from friend was a significant mediator of the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress (β = 0.007, 95%CI = 0.002-0.011). However, overall perceived social support was not a significant mediator of fear of COVID-19 on perceived stress.
Conclusions
Neuroticism and perceived social support from friend are critical factors in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and perceived stress. Longitudinal study is encouraged to investigate the causal effect of neuroticism and perceived social support on perceived stress.
