This study explores the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the prevalence and relationship between corona-related anxiety, obsession, and psychological wellbeing among adults. Based on data gathered from 170 participants through an online survey, the study finds a strong positive correlation between corona anxiety and obsession, and a significant negative correlation between both of these and psychological wellbeing. These findings aim to contribute to the field by informing future psychological research and intervention efforts.
Throughout history, numerous pandemics have posed serious threats to public health. Despite changes in medical advancements, the psychological toll of pandemics remains consistent. The COVID-19 outbreak of the 21st century introduced not only physical health challenges but also significant mental health concerns. This study seeks to understand which psychological issues the virus triggered, especially focusing on how frequently anxiety and obsession linked to COVID-19 have occurred and how they affect individuals’ mental wellness.
Corona anxiety, as defined by Lee (2020), refers to emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and physiological symptoms triggered by the fear of the virus. Corona obsession, as outlined by Lee, Jobe, Mathis, and Gibbons (2020), involves intrusive, excessive thoughts that can impair functioning and relate to risky coping mechanisms, including substance use or suicidal ideation. Psychological wellbeing is conceptualized as an individual’s mental resilience and overall capacity to maintain emotional balance in the face of physical and psychological challenges.
Findings on Prevalence
The survey, conducted among 170 adults (100 women and 70 men) in Kerala, India—most of whom were aged between 18 and 25—revealed notable findings. About 30% of participants showed signs of corona-related anxiety, with 8% experiencing it at a high level and 22% at a moderate level. Similarly, 33% showed signs of corona obsession, with 11% reporting high levels and 22% moderate.
Lee (2020) emphasizes that corona anxiety requires serious clinical attention. The study’s data revealed a strong positive correlation between corona anxiety and corona obsession—individuals with high anxiety were also more likely to report obsessive thoughts related to COVID-19. Furthermore, both anxiety and obsession were negatively correlated with psychological wellbeing. This suggests that as pandemic-related anxiety and obsessive thinking increase, overall mental health and functioning tend to decline.
Discussion
The findings indicate that the rates of corona-related anxiety and obsession are significant enough to warrant concern. If left untreated, these psychological conditions could evolve into more severe disorders, such as compulsive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, sleep disturbances, emotional volatility, or suicidal ideation. While anxiety may predominantly affect the individual’s internal world, obsession has broader societal implications. This makes corona obsession potentially more harmful, not only disrupting personal wellbeing but also impacting social functioning.
The study points out the necessity of further exploring treatment methods and predictive factors for these psychological issues. Addressing these mental health problems is essential, especially given their long-term impact on daily life and productivity.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Most studies concerning COVID-19’s mental health impact have centered on healthcare workers, such as doctors, nurses, and dentists. However, this research highlights that mental health issues stemming from the pandemic are not limited to these groups. It underscores the importance of broadening the focus to include the general population.
For a more comprehensive understanding, future studies should explore underlying causes—such as the effects of prolonged lockdowns, fear of infection, or anxiety about loved ones. Such research can offer clearer insight into the development of these disorders and help in designing effective interventions.
As the immediate health threats of the pandemic diminish, the psychological consequences continue to linger. Research like this lays the groundwork for effective mental health strategies and interventions that address these lingering effects. As Amala Sudarsan, Neethu P. S., and Vithya Veeramani (2022) note, this kind of research can guide future psychological practices and public health strategies. When diagnosing and treating anxiety or obsession, mental health professionals must consider COVID-19 as a potential contributing factor. If action is not taken, the psychological aftermath may outweigh even the physical toll of the pandemic.
References
Lee, S. A. (2020). Coronavirus Anxiety Scale: A brief mental health screener for COVID-19 related anxiety. Death Studies, 44(7), 393–401.
https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2020.1748481
Lee, S. A., Jobe, M. C., Mathis, A. A., & Gibbons, J. A. (2020). Incremental validity of coronaphobia: Coronavirus anxiety explains depression, generalized anxiety, and death anxiety. Death Studies, 44(7), 74–81.
https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2020.1785861
Sudarsan, A., P. S., N., & Veeramani, V. (2022). Corona anxiety, corona obsession and psychological wellbeing among adults. Indian Journal of Psychology (IJP), 10(2), 17–20.