The examination of the relationships between irrational beliefs, depression and anxiety in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 period

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between irrational beliefs and anxiety and depression levels of individuals working in the field of health care during the COVID-19 process. For this purpose, the data of the research were collected by conducting a survey with a total of 212 health workers living in Istanbul. The research was designed as a quantitative method, and the Abbreviated General Attitude and Belief Scale, Beck Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Scale were applied to the participating healthcare professionals. T-test, ANOVA, correlation and regression analyzes were applied to the data obtained in the study. It is seen that 41% of the participants have minimal anxiety, 25% mild, 20.8% moderate and 13% severe anxiety symptoms. When the depression levels were evaluated, it was determined that 44.3% showed mild-moderate, 17.5% moderate-severe and 1.4% severe depression symptoms. According to the findings, the relationship between irrational beliefs and anxiety and depression levels was found to be significant. In addition, it has been determined that there is a significant relationship between some sub-dimensions of irrational beliefs and the gender variable. In the second block of the regression analysis, general attitudes and beliefs sub-dimensions were added to the model, and the model explained approximately 14% of the variance. It was observed that only the average scores obtained from the Abbreviated General Attitude and Belief Scale Need for Comfort Sub-Dimension, among the variables added at this stage, had a significant predictive effect on anxiety levels, and the effect of gender, which was determined to have an effect in the previous stage, was also observed. In the second block of the regression analysis, general attitudes and beliefs sub-dimensions were added to the model, and the model explained approximately 15% of the variance. It was observed that only the average scores obtained from the Abbreviated General Attitude and Belief Scale Need for Comfort Sub-Dimension, among the variables added at this stage, had a significant predictive effect on depression levels, and the effect of age, which was determined to have an effect at the previous stage, continued. The results of the research indicate that the evaluation of the irrational beliefs, depression and anxiety levels of healthcare professionals is important and can be a guide in the preparation of possible interventions. Key Words: Irrational beliefs, Depression, Anxiety, Cognitive theory