Cognitive Failure and Fear of COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: In this study, the authors seek to investigate the relationship between cognitive impairment and fear of COVID-19. Among the residents of Tehran Province, Iran, 415 people were selected through the available sampling method. Methods: The research data was obtained through online questionnaires that were distributed to participants via platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram. Broadbent’s cognitive failure questionnaire and the scale of fear of COVID-19 were used in this study. The obtained data were analyzed by the independent t test and stepwise regression. Results: According to the findings, the relationship between following COVID-19 news and the fear of COVID-19 is negative. Also, a positive and significant relationship exists between memory error and fear of COVID-19. Also, the standard coefficients show that despite the direction of the effect, both variables have the same power to change the dependent variable. Conclusion: The findings showed that the subscale of memory (forgetfulness) predicts the fear of COVID-19, and the existence of memory problems, false triggering, and distractibility, which are components of cognitive failure, decrease individuals’ mental health.