COVID-19 related fear and mental health in Indian sample: The buffering effect of support system.
The scientific world witnessed a surge of researches, from all corners of the world, regarding the humanitarian crisis precipitated by COVID-19 pandemic, more specifically its impact on people's mental health. However, researchers exploring the association between COVID-19 related fear and mental health are yet to understand the conditions through which potential benefits may occur. Many factors could buffer the effects of COVID-19 related fear on mental health; support system is probably the predominant one. Thus, the present study examined the moderating effects of support system in the association between COVID-19 related fear and mental health outcomes - somatic symptoms, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and depression. Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 163 volunteers assessed with demographic information, COVID-19 related fear, support system, and mental health outcomes. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis and simple effect tests revealed that high levels of support from family, friends, and significant others might buffer/lessen the psychological sequelae (e.g., somatic symptoms, anxiety, and depression during public health emergencies, such as COVID-19 pandemic. Given the potential for negative mental health outcomes following pandemics, such as COVID-19, efforts to enhance peoples' support system may be especially important.
['Suhail|Alina|A|', 'Dar|Kaiser Ahmad|KA|0000-0003-0023-1944', 'Iqbal|Naved|N|https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5558-8938']
Covid-19 related fear Support system Somatic symptoms Anxiety Depression