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The Impact of Social Support on Public Anxiety amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in China

Author

Listed:
  • Yibin Ao

    (College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China)

  • Hao Zhu

    (College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China)

  • Fanrong Meng

    (College of Environment and Civil Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, China)

  • Yan Wang

    (Department of Engineering Management, Sichuan College of Architectural Technology, Deyang 618000, China)

  • Gui Ye

    (School of Management Science and Real Estate, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China)

  • Linchuan Yang

    (School of Architecture and Design, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Na Dong

    (College of Architecture and Environment, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China)

  • Igor Martek

    (School of Architecture and Built Environment, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

Abstract

The recent coronavirus outbreak has captured worldwide attention. This study investigated the anxiety of the Chinese public and its relationship with social support during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, thereby providing empirical support for interventions on improving the public’s mental health. On the basis of an online questionnaire survey conducted on 10–18 February 2020, this study shows that 19.8%, 68.5%, and 11.1% of the respondents suffered mild anxiety, moderate anxiety, and severe anxiety, respectively. Significant differences are reported in state anxiety between people with different household incomes. There are significant differences in trait anxiety and state anxiety between different social support groups. Social support and trait anxiety are negatively correlated. Social support and state anxiety are negatively correlated. Social support affects state anxiety both directly and indirectly (through the mediation of trait anxiety). Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing public support for society can effectively reduce public anxiety.

Suggested Citation

  • Yibin Ao & Hao Zhu & Fanrong Meng & Yan Wang & Gui Ye & Linchuan Yang & Na Dong & Igor Martek, 2020. "The Impact of Social Support on Public Anxiety amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:23:p:9097-:d:457555
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    2. Lanlan Zhao & Xin Zheng & Kai Ji & Zhengsheng Wang & Lingzhi Sang & Xuefei Chen & Ling Tang & Ying Zhu & Zhongliang Bai & Ren Chen, 2022. "The Relationship between Social Support and Anxiety among Rural Older People in Elderly Caring Social Organizations: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Mingna Li & Bo Zhou & Bingbin Hu, 2022. "Relationship between Income and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-14, July.
    4. Ping Sun & Xiaoming Zhou & Cui Shao & Wenli Wang & Jinkun Sun, 2022. "The Impacts of Environmental Dynamism on Chinese Tour Guides’ Sustainable Performance: Factors Related to Vitality, Positive Stress Mindset and Supportive Policy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-15, July.
    5. Aina Gabarrell-Pascuet & Helena García-Mieres & Iago Giné-Vázquez & Maria Victoria Moneta & Ai Koyanagi & Josep Maria Haro & Joan Domènech-Abella, 2023. "The Association of Social Support and Loneliness with Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, and Posttraumatic Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-25, February.

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