The fear of COVID-19 and job insecurity impact on depression and anxiety: An empirical study in China in the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath

Abstract

The employees' psychological health and resilience in times of emergency and general uncertainty was chosen due to the immense implications for economics, entrepreneurs, psychologists and psychiatrists, and policymakers. This study aims to provide an insight into uncertainty-induced anxiety and depression among Chinese employees in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. Analysis performed in the context of China in the COVID-19 pandemic aftermath is significant due to the universal nature of external shock impact on psychological welfare, applicable across nations and business sectors and in similar contexts. The statistical analysis was performed with SEM software AMOS version 23. The research model consisting of fear of COVID-19, job insecurity, anxiety, depression, was empirically tested. A purposive sampling technique was applied with the online questionnaire shared with employees in companies located in China. Respondents were working in educational services, information technology, engineering, electronics, and other sectors on white-collar jobs. The data collection was conducted from May to August 2020, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The research sample consisting of 283 respondents was used for analysis. Path analysis was performed, and standardized parameter estimates, standard errors, and p-values were calculated. The results indicate a positive and significant impact of job insecurity on depression and anxiety. Furthermore, results indicate that the fear of COVID-19 significantly impacts anxiety and depression but does not impact job insecurity. The findings can be used in a multidisciplinary effort to mitigate the psychological damage. Furthermore, they complement the ongoing epidemiological and scientific discourse on people's personal health and choice of coping.

Impact of Social Media, Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) on the Intention to Stay at Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Moreover, the perception of this media world will dominate real-world perceptions. The theory also elucidates on the example of a traditional outlet-television-that the amount of media exposure plays a pivotal role, especially in shaping the fear of infectious diseases such as H1N1 and COVID-19 [17,20,23,99,100]. Moreover, the information industry proceeds from forming perceptions to controlling emotions and instilling fear [101], which was proven on several occasions [73,102].…”

“…Tsoy et al (2020) reckon that fear of a coronavirus disease precedes the disease itself, which occurs through repeated exposure to media coverage [17]. People rely on media, especially during health-related issues or crises, as the primary source of information [18].…”

Policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Manitoba grocery sector: a qualitative analysis of media, organizational communications, and key informant interviews

“…As reported here, grocery employees experienced significant stress. In other research, the impact of the uncertainty of the situation and fear of the virus among workers were associated with depression and anxiety [ 46 ]. Importantly though, participants in the present study discussed relationships among co-workers and the appreciation workers felt from the public contributed to more positive emotions in coping with stress, similar to that reported in Spain [ 47 ].…”

The Mediating Effect of Group Cohesion Modulated by Resilience in the Relationship between Perceived Stress and Military Life Adjustment

“…Similarly, after stressful events or traumatic experiences, people may suffer from emotional disturbances, anxiety disorders [9], and/or adjustment Sustainability 2022, 14, 7794 2 of 12 disorders [10], and their subjective well-being might deteriorate [9,11,12]. Therefore, if an organization does not recognize these potential dangers and provide prompt support, its members' performance can degrade [13]. The more comprehensive these personal and environmental stresses are, the harder it is for soldiers to adapt to military life.…”

“…People with high resilience can effectively overcome their stress [35]. Moreover, we cannot overemphasize the importance of resilience in crises because it has significant practical implications for policy makers and psychologists [13]. For example, the higher the level of resilience, the better the problem-solving skills [36] and interpersonal relationships of college students [37], and the lower the degree of social maladaptation [38].…”