Stress-related to COVID-19, anxiety, and protective factors among middle-aged and older adults in the largest outbreak areas in South Korea

Abstract

Objectives The present study examined the impact of psychological stress related to COVID-19 on anxiety as well as protective factors against these negative psychological consequences among middle-aged and older adults in the largest outbreak areas in South Korea. Method Participants included 667 middle-aged and older adults (ages 40 to 76) living in the largest outbreak areas at the time of the survey based on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Korea. Path analysis was conducted. Results Stress related to COVID-19 and loneliness were positively associated with anxiety. However, family cohesion, resilience, health, and being married were negatively associated with anxiety. Also, family cohesion, resilience, income, and being married were negatively associated with loneliness among middle-aged and older adults in the largest outbreak areas in South Korea. Conclusion As postulated by the Stress Process Model, stress related to COVID-19 may have increased loneliness and anxiety among middle-aged and older adults in the largest outbreak areas in South Korea; however, resilience and family cohesion reduced these negative consequences both directly and indirectly. Findings are discussed and implications are addressed.