Abstract
Many psychological researchers have proven the deteriorating effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic on public mental health. In Malaysia, various Covid-19 clusters were associated with religious gatherings. From a cultural psychology perspective, how ethno-religious groups respond to this crisis originating from their unique rationality and ecological systems. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the illness perceptions of major religious groups (Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist) in Malaysia toward the Covid-19 pandemic, their stress levels, and the relationship between illness perception, stress, and forms of religious expression during the lockdown period. Through an online survey method, 608 Malaysian religious believers were included in this mixed-method empirical study, which adapted standardized instruments [Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS)]. Statistical analysis showed that all three groups reported moderate levels of stress in average without any significant difference after controlling for age. Both internal and external forms of religious expression had a significant negative relationship with stress levels. Personal control, comprehension, and emotions domains of illness perception accounted for a significant variance in the stress level. Furthermore, religious expression significantly moderated the relationship between some illness perception domains and stress. Qualitative coding revealed that most participants perceived human behavior and attitudes, sociopolitical, and sociological factors as causal factors to the current pandemic. These findings confirmed the relationship between religious expression, illness belief, and stress regulation during the pandemic lockdown. Incidental findings of age as a potential protective factor for Malaysian believers warrants further study. In the conclusion, implications for public health policymakers and religious communities on pandemic prevention and well-being promotion were discussed.
Highlights
Covid-19 Pandemic Impact on Mental Health in MalaysiaSince its outbreak from China in December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has evolved rapidly into a global pandemic
Hypothesis 1a: There would be no differences in the perceived stress levels of the three religious groups
As various religious groups struggle to make the meaning of this crisis through their indigenous ways of knowing, this study addressed the impact of ecological system toward pandemic responses with understudied religious groups such as Muslims and Buddhists, who make up a majority of the global population
Summary
Covid-19 Pandemic Impact on Mental Health in MalaysiaSince its outbreak from China in December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has evolved rapidly into a global pandemic. Covid-19 Pandemic Impact on Mental Health in Malaysia. Despite initially successful with restrictions lifted in July 2020, Malaysia entered into a total lockdown once again as the pandemic exponentially escalated in April 2021 (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020a; Channel News Asia, 2021; Rodzi, 2021). Concerns have risen in Malaysia on the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and prolonged MCO on the mental health of vulnerable populations resulting from social isolation, the loss of income, and an exposure to toxic family environments (Shanmugam et al, 2020; Yusof, 2021). Since stress is a strong predictor of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders (Marin et al, 2011; Guo et al, 2020; Montano and Acebes, 2020), the search for cultural resilience in the face of inevitable stress caused by the pandemic and ongoing lockdowns is needed
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