Examination of COVID-19 phobia, psychological well-being and psychological distress of individuals during the pandemic period

The aim of the study is to examine the COVID-19 phobia, psychological wellbeing and psychological distress experienced by individuals during the pandemic period. It can be said that with the increase in the number of cases in the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a decrease in the psychological well-being of the individuals and an increase in the levels of psychological distress. Accordingly, it is thought that COVID19 phobia (Corona-phobia) may develop. In this study, Psychological Well-Being Scale, Psychological Distress Scale and Coronavirus-19 Phobia Scale were used. In addition, the Sociodemographic Information Form prepared by the researcher was used. The research sample consists of adult individuals. Measurement tools were applied to individuals aged 18 and over through online processes. 362 individuals, 231 (63.9%) women and 131 (36.1%) men, answered the survey questions. The majority (33.1%) of the individuals participating in the research were in the 18-24 age group. The data obtained from the measurement tools during the research process were analyzed using the SPSS program. According to the findings of the study, a significant negative relationship was found between psychological distress and psychological well-being. However, COVID-19 Phobia was not found to be significantly associated with both psychological well-being and psychological distress. When analyzed by age group, the group with the highest level of psychological distress was young adults (18-24 years old). The group with the lowest level of psychological well-being was again young adults (18-24 years old). Although there is no significant difference in the level of COVID-19 phobia of individuals, there is an increase in the COVID-19 phobia levels as individuals relatively get older. The concept of COVID-19 phobia is new to the literature. Thus, it is encouraged that further research works with different samples need to be carried out to better understand COVID-19 Phobia.