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

Author

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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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Iina Savolainen & Reetta Oksa & Nina Savela & Magdalena Celuch & Atte Oksanen, 2021. "COVID-19 Anxiety—A Longitudinal Survey Study of Psychological and Situational Risks among Finnish Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:2:p:794-:d:482628
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Jaana-Piia Mäkiniemi & Atte Oksanen & Anne Mäkikangas, 2021. "Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Roles of Personal, Social and Organizational Resources on Perceived Stress and Exhaustion among Finnish University Employees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Clara De Vincenzi & Martina Pansini & Bruna Ferrara & Ilaria Buonomo & Paula Benevene, 2022. "Consequences of COVID-19 on Employees in Remote Working: Challenges, Risks and Opportunities An Evidence-Based Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-18, September.
    3. Valentina Sommovigo & Chiara Bernuzzi & Georgia Libera Finstad & Ilaria Setti & Paola Gabanelli & Gabriele Giorgi & Elena Fiabane, 2023. "How and When May Technostress Impact Workers’ Psycho-Physical Health and Work-Family Interface? A Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-23, January.
    4. Matteo Curcuruto & Sian Williams & Margherita Brondino & Andrea Bazzoli, 2023. "Investigating the Impact of Occupational Technostress and Psychological Restorativeness of Natural Spaces on Work Engagement and Work–Life Balance Satisfaction," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-13, January.
    5. Chiara Consiglio & Nicoletta Massa & Valentina Sommovigo & Luigi Fusco, 2023. "Techno-Stress Creators, Burnout and Psychological Health among Remote Workers during the Pandemic: The Moderating Role of E-Work Self-Efficacy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(22), pages 1-23, November.
    6. Atte Oksanen & Reetta Oksa & Magdalena Celuch & Anica Cvetkovic & Iina Savolainen, 2022. "COVID-19 Anxiety and Wellbeing at Work in Finland during 2020–2022: A 5-Wave Longitudinal Survey Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-13, December.
    7. Bravo-Adasme, Natalia & Cataldo, Alejandro, 2022. "Understanding techno-distress and its influence on educational communities: A two-wave study with multiple data samples," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).

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