The Impact of COVID-19 Fear on Mental Wellbeing: Social Connectedness and Optimism as Multiple Mediators

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the mediating effects of social connectedness and optimism in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mental wellbeing. The sample consisted of 826 individuals (57.7% females, Mage = 23.97, SD = 7.65). The participants completed four scales measuring mental wellbeing, fear of COVID-19, social connectedness, and optimism. The correlation analysis results showed that mental wellbeing, social connectedness, and optimism were negatively related to fear of COVID-19. Additionally, structural equation modeling revealed that social connectedness and optimism mediated the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and mental wellbeing. Findings expanded our understanding of the association among COVID-19 fear, social connectedness, optimism, and mental wellbeing during the pandemic.