A looming mental health pandemic in the time of covid-19? Role of fortitude in the interrelationship between loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction among young adults
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Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Abstract
This study investigates loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction among a sample of young adults in
South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the role of fortitude in the interrelationship
between these variables. Fortitude refers to the psychological strength to manage stress and stay
well, and it is derived from positive appraisals of self, family, and support from others. Participants
included 337 young adults who completed four self-report questionnaires: the UCLA Loneliness
Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and the Fortitude Questionnaire.
Stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine the direct, indirect, mediating, and
moderating role of fortitude on psychological outcomes. The results demonstrated unprecedented
levels of anxiety, loneliness, and reduced life satisfaction among the sample. These levels were
significantly higher than those encountered in previous studies in other contexts, as well as in studies
of similar populations conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women reported higher levels
of psychological distress than men.
Description
Keywords
Anxiety, Covid-19, Life satisfaction, Loneliness, South Africa
Citation
Pretorius, T., & Padmanabhanunni, A. (2021). A looming mental health pandemic in the time of covid-19? Role of fortitude in the interrelationship between loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction among young adults. South African Journal of Psychology, 51(2), 256–268