Investigating the Psychological Risk and Protective Factors Related to Fear of COVID-۱۹ During the COVID-۱۹ Pandemic in Iran

Objective: The current COVID-۱۹ pandemic is associated with numerous psychological issues, such as anxiety and distress as a result of individual, health-related, social, and economic issues. This study aims to assess the general population in Iran for the negative impacts of the current pandemic on psychological well-being and to find possible protective and risk factors when facing such situations in the current COVID-۱۹ pandemic. Methods: A total of ۳۱۷ people participated in an online survey in Iran from August ۳, ۲۰۲۰, to September ۲۰, ۲۰۲۰. Anxiety, depression, fear of COVID-۱۹, emotion regulation, intolerance of uncertainty, illness perception, neuroticism, social support, and self-efficacy were evaluated.  Results: The results showed that measures that assess anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, intolerance of uncertainty, illness perception, neuroticism, social support, and self-efficacy were significantly related to fear of COVID-۱۹. Meanwhile, the results of regression analysis demonstrated that neuroticism, intolerance of uncertainty, and illness perception could predict fear of COVID-۱۹ beyond and above anxiety and depression. Conclusion: Some factors, including neuroticism, illness perception, and intolerance of uncertainty are considered risk factors for mental health during this pandemic.

Keywords:

COVID-۱۹ , Anxiety , Neuroticism , Intolerance of uncertainty , Illness Perception