COVID-19 Anxiety—A Longitudinal Survey Study of Psychological and Situational Risks among Finnish Workers

Iina Savolainen, Reetta Oksa, Nina Savela, Magdalena Celuch and Atte Oksanen
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Iina Savolainen: Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 5, 33100 Tampere, Finland
Reetta Oksa: Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 5, 33100 Tampere, Finland
Nina Savela: Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 5, 33100 Tampere, Finland
Magdalena Celuch: Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 5, 33100 Tampere, Finland
Atte Oksanen: Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Kalevantie 5, 33100 Tampere, Finland

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 2, 1-13

Abstract: Background : The COVID-19 crisis has changed the conditions of many all over the globe. One negative consequence of the ongoing pandemic is anxiety brought about by uncertainty and the COVID-19 disease. Increased anxiety is a potential risk factor for wellbeing at work. This study investigated psychological, situational, and socio-demographic predictors of COVID-19 anxiety using longitudinal data. Methods : A nationally representative sample of Finnish workers ( N = 1308) was collected before and during the COVID-19 crisis. Eighty percent of the participants responded to the follow-up study ( N = 1044). COVID-19 anxiety was measured with a modified Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. Psychological and situational predictors included perceived loneliness, psychological distress, technostress, personality, social support received from the work community, and remote working. A number of socio-demographic factors were also investigated. Results : Perceived loneliness, psychological distress, technostress, and neuroticism were identified as robust psychological predictors of COVID-19 anxiety. Increase in psychological distress and technostress during the COVID-19 crisis predicted higher COVID-19 anxiety. A recent change in their field of work and decreased social support from work communities predicted COVID-19 anxiety. Women and young people experienced higher anxiety. Conclusions : Different factors explain workers’ COVID-19 anxiety. Increased anxiety can disrupt wellbeing at work, emphasizing the organizations’ role in maintaining an inclusive and caring work culture and providing technical and psychological support to workers during crisis.

Keywords: COVID-19; mental health; anxiety; work; stress; personality; loneliness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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