FEAR OF COVID-19, PERCEIVED STRESS AND WELLBEING AMONG STUDENTS AFTER LOCKDOWN: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE

Abstract

The study aimed to see how the fear of Covid-19 and psychological stress impact the wellbeing of college students. A survey correlational research design was employed, and a convenient sample of 250 students (103 men and 147 women), aged between 20 and 30 years, representing diverse income groups and educational levels, was included. The data collection procedure involved the utilization of research instruments, specifically the instrument of Fear of Pandemic-19, Perceived Stress questionnaire, and Wellbeing questionnaire. The findings revealed that all variables examined exhibited a significant correlation with wellbeing. Moreover, the stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that perceived stress and fear of Covid-19 were significant negative predictors of wellbeing, accounting for 71% of the variance (R2= .71). Additionally, the study found that psychological resilience played a significant mediating role in the relationship between perceived stress, fear of Covid-19, and wellbeing. Significant differences were observed in relation to the variables investigated. These findings carry important implications for counselors and health professionals working with students, highlighting the importance of raising awareness about the significance of resilience when aiming to enhance wellbeing and reduce distress. Keywords: Fear of Pandemic-19, Stress, Wellbeing, Students.