Covid-19 fear, happiness and stress in adults: the mediating role of psychological resilience and coping with stress

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of coping with stress and psychological resilience in the relationship between happiness and perceived stress of COVID-19 fear in Turkish adults. Methods 827 individuals (516 females, 311 males) above 18 years of age and living in Turkey participated in this research. The data of the research was collected through the COVID-19 Fear Scale, Depression-Happiness Scale Short Form, Perceived Stress Scale and Psychological Resilience Scale Short Form. Results The results show that fear of COVID-19 negatively predicts happiness and positively predicts perceived stress. According to the results, psychological resilience and coping with perceived stress mediate the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and happiness and stress. Moreover, psychological resilience and coping with perceived stress mitigate the impact of COVID-19 fear on happiness and stress. Conclusions The findings provide evidence as to how to reduce the negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health. In addition, the results provide information to improve mental health during the pandemic period. KEY POINTS Psychological resilience reduces the effect of COVID-19 on stress and increases happiness levels. Coping with stress reduces the impact of COVID-19 on stress and increases happiness levels