Anxiety and panic buying of population of India during COVID-19: the mediating role of adjustment

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to study the relationship between coronavirus anxiety, panic buying, work and social adjustment. It also examines how adjustment mediates the relationship between coronavirus anxiety and panic buying. Methods: The study's total sample size was 450 participants aged 21-76 years. Both genders were equally represented in the sample, with 225 males and 225 females. An incidental sampling technique was adopted for data collection. Data was collected using a Google form survey from participants who consented to participate in the research from various Uttar Pradesh, India cities. The socio-demographic details and corona anxiety, panic buying and work and social adjustment related responses were recorded.Results: The results indicated that coronavirus anxiety, work and social adjustment, and panic buying are significantly correlated with each other. Results showed that coronavirus anxiety and work and social adjustment would significantly variance in panic buying scores. It was also found that work and social adjustment mediated the relationship between coronavirus anxiety and panic buying.Conclusions: It was evident from the results that panic buying results from fear and negative emotions. This demonstrates the importance of adjustment training to cope with sudden or future uncertainties in a better manner. This could help alleviate the wave of anxiety and panic, leading to better emotional well-being and adjustment to unexpected and adverse circumstances.