Fear of COVID-19 and Fear of Earthquake: Multiple Distressing Events and Well-Being in Croatia

Abstract

People in Croatia have recently experienced two major earthquakes in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic, which are possible sources of increased fear. In order to capture and understand the effects of the simultaneously occurring threatening events, the aims of this study were threefold. First, we aimed to examine the psychometric properties and factor structure of the Croatian version of the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). Second, bearing in mind that there is a lack of instruments for measuring fear of earthquakes, the study aimed to develop and examine the psychometric properties the Fear of Earthquake Scale (FES), as a version of FCV-19S, modified for the earthquake experience. Finally, the study aimed to examine differences in well-being indicators (life satisfaction, positive and negative affect) between four groups of participants who either had/did not have COVID-19 disease or had experienced/did not have experienced earthquake. The study was conducted among 1136 participants adults who took part in the fourth year of the Croatian longitudinal study on well-being. Among them, N = 665 participants experienced earthquake and responded to additional questions regarding that experience. The analyses demonstrated valid psychometric properties and one-factorial structure of FCV-19S and FES scales. The findings showed that people who went through earthquake experience (vs. those without earthquake experience and COVID-19 infection) reported higher negative affect and lower positive affect, indicating that people in Croatia seem to have been more fearful of earthquakes than COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest the long-term negative effects of earthquake on fear and well-being in comparison to COVID-19 pandemic.

The development and initial validation of the Earthquake Fear Scale: Its links to personality traits, psychological distress, harmony in life, and mental wellbeing

“…This finding answers the second research question. The results of previous studies support this finding (e.g., Ehring et al., 2011; Prizmić‐Larsen et al., 2023; Rowney et al., 2014). In the afore‐mentioned studies, it has been reported that earthquake fear causes long‐term depressive tendencies, excessive anxiety, and stress in individuals.…”

“…The EFS developed in this research has filled an important gap in the literature by providing a current issue to be mentioned. The psychometric properties of this scale, which were similarly examined in a recent study conducted in Croatia (Prizmić-Larsen et al, 2023) were discussed in more detail in the Turkish sample.…”

“…There are many studies in the literature on the psychological effects of earthquakes. For instance, in a recent study by Prizmić-Larsen et al (2023), it was reported that individuals affected by earthquakes exhibit long-term depressive tendencies and experience negative psychological problems such as anxiety problems. In addition, it is stated that the quality of life of these individuals is negatively affected in a multidimensional way due to depression, anxiety, stress, and somatisation (Lathabhavan & Lathabhavan, 2022;Rowney et al, 2014;Wang et al, 2000).…”

“…In post‐earthquake studies, coping strategies or trauma concepts are generally emphasised, and measuring tools related to these concepts are adapted or developed (e.g., Ali et al., 2012; Leiva Bianchi & Araneda, 2013; Tanhan & Kayri, 2013; Yöndem & Eren, 2008). To the best of our knowledge, it has been determined that there is only one measuring tool to measure psychological reactions such as fear experienced in earthquakes (Prizmić‐Larsen et al., 2023). Therefore, in this study, it is aimed to develop a measurement tool to measure the earthquake fear of Turkish people and test it in a hypothetical model.…”

Association Between Positive Troponin and Fear of Earthquakes: A Retrospective Study

“…The FES, developed by Prizmić-Larsen et al, was used to assess the level of fear of earthquakes [ 9 ]. The scale consists of seven items, and participants rated each item on a 5-point Likert scale, with 1 representing "strongly disagree" and 5 representing "strongly agree".…”