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A biopsychosocial model of severe fear of COVID-19

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Listed:
  • Patrick Nürnberger
  • Dirk von Lewinski
  • Hans-Bernd Rothenhäusler
  • Celine Braun
  • Patrick Reinbacher
  • Ewald Kolesnik
  • Andreas Baranyi

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that causes not only somatic health issues, but also frequently psychosocial burdens. The aims of this study were to investigate biopsychosocial factors that might further aggravate fear of COVID-19, and to establish a biopsychosocial model of severe fear of COVID-19. Methods: 368 participants were included in this study. Biopsychosocial factors observed comprised biological factors (somatic risk), psychological factors (state/trait anxiety, physical symptoms of anxiety, severe health anxiety, specific phobias, depression), and psychosocial factors (social support, financial losses, social media consumption, social contacts with COVID-19 infected people). Psychometric questionnaires included State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck’s Anxiety Inventory, Whiteley-Index / Illness Attitude Scales, Specific Phobia Questionnaire, WHO-5 and Social Support Survey. Results: 162/368 (44.0%) participants had almost no fear, 170/368 (46.2%) participants had moderate fear, and 45/368 (12.2%) participants had severe fear of COVID-19. Female participants showed higher levels of fear of COVID-19 than male participants (gender: χ2 = 18.47, p

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Nürnberger & Dirk von Lewinski & Hans-Bernd Rothenhäusler & Celine Braun & Patrick Reinbacher & Ewald Kolesnik & Andreas Baranyi, 2022. "A biopsychosocial model of severe fear of COVID-19," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(2), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0264357
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264357
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sherbourne, Cathy Donald & Stewart, Anita L., 1991. "The MOS social support survey," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 32(6), pages 705-714, January.
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