Australians' Well-Being and Resilience During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Nida Denson, Kevin M. Dunn, Alanna Kamp, Ben Jehonathan, Daniel Pitman, Rachel Sharples, Grace Lim, Yin Paradies, Craig McGarty
Primary Institution: Western Sydney University
Hypothesis
What are the psychological factors that promoted or hindered Australians’ well-being and resilience during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Conclusion
Interpersonal trust was a protective factor for well-being and resilience, while greater intolerance of uncertainty and an external locus of control were linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants with greater interpersonal trust reported less depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness.
- Those with an external locus of control were more likely to be depressed and anxious.
- COVID-19 beliefs were associated with poorer mental health outcomes.
Takeaway
This study shows that trusting others helps people feel better during tough times like the COVID-19 pandemic, while feeling uncertain and believing that things are out of your control can make you feel worse.
Methodology
A national online survey was conducted with Australians aged 16 years and over to examine psychological factors affecting well-being and resilience during the pandemic.
Potential Biases
The study may be subject to self-report bias as it relied on participants' perceptions and responses.
Limitations
The study used a correlational cross-sectional design, limiting causal claims, and the sample was not fully representative of the Australian population.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 57.1% females, with a significant number born overseas (39.4%) and a majority having an Anglo background (76.5%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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