Factors Associated with fear of COVID-19 in post-pandemic scenarios

Abstract Current models suggest that fear of COVID-19 is associated with heightened levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness. However, we lack evidence regarding the inverse relationship, where fear of COVID-19 is considered a dependent variable influenced by pre-existing levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness. Furthermore, studies suggest that resilience predicts fear of COVID-19 in its relationship with anxiety. To explore these questions, we conducted a survey in a post-pandemic scenario using independent variables such as anxiety, depression, stress and perceived loneliness, using resilience as a possible mediating mechanism. Our findings indicate that fear of COVID is positively predicted by these factors, but that resilience did not exhibit direct or mediating effects on fear. These results imply that fear of COVID-19 may be exacerbated by pre-existing psychological difficulties.