The mediating effect of perceived social support on the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and psychological distress of medical front liners

Abstract

This study determined the Mediating Effect of Perceived Social Support on the Relationship between COVID-19 Anxiety and Psychological Distress of Medical Frontliners. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational research design, data were obtained from 300 medical front liners who are active in clinical duties during the COVID-19 outbreak in a Northern Mindanao City, Philippines. The researcher utilized a stratified sampling technique in selecting qualified respondents. Moreover, a combination of online surveys and physical surveys were used to obtain the data. The researcher utilized the mean and correlation coefficient and Sobel Z test for mediation in analyzing the data. The researcher adapted the COVID-19 Anxiety Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) as research instruments. It was found that there is a moderate level of mean scores for Psychological Distress and COVID-19 anxiety and a high level of perceived social support among Medical Frontliners. Also, results revealed that there are significant relationships between COVID-19 anxiety and Psychological Distress, between COVID-19 anxiety and Social Support, and between Social Support and Psychological Distress. Further, it was revealed that there was a significant partial mediation of perceived social support on the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and Psychological Distress. Keywords: psychology, COVID-19 anxiety, psychological distress, social support, mediation, medical front liners, Philippines