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We Are Not Islands: The Role of Social Support in the Relationship between Perceived Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychological Distress

Author

Listed:
  • Anita Padmanabhanunni

    (Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa)

  • Tyrone B. Pretorius

    (Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa)

  • Serena Ann Isaacs

    (Department of Psychology, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7530, South Africa)

Abstract

COVID-19 containment measures, including social distancing, quarantine, and confinement, significantly impacted social connectedness and contributed to heightened levels of perceived stress. Prior research has established that protective factors can mitigate emotional distress. This study investigated the protective role of social support in the relationship between perceived stress and psychological distress among a sample of university students. Participants ( n = 322) completed the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Perceived Stress Scale, short forms of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the trait scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The results indicated that high levels of perceived stress were associated with high levels of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety. In terms of direct and mediating effects, social support was significant for depression and hopelessness but not for anxiety. Furthermore, the relationship between perceived stress and depression was higher for those with high levels of social support than for those with lower levels of social support. The findings suggest that in addition to enhancing social support resources, interventions must assist students in managing the uncertainty and anxiety associated with the pandemic. Furthermore, students’ appraisals of support and the extent to which support is experienced as beneficial must also be examined prior to the implementation of interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Anita Padmanabhanunni & Tyrone B. Pretorius & Serena Ann Isaacs, 2023. "We Are Not Islands: The Role of Social Support in the Relationship between Perceived Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychological Distress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3179-:d:1065305
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eugene Song & Hyun Jung Yoo, 2020. "Impact of Social Support and Social Trust on Public Viral Risk Response: A COVID-19 Survey Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-14, September.
    2. Okabayashi, Hideki & Liang, Jersey & Krause, Neal & Akiyama, Hiroko & Sugisawa, Hidehiro, 2004. "Mental health among older adults in Japan: do sources of social support and negative interaction make a difference?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 59(11), pages 2259-2270, December.
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