TITLE:
Death and Dysfunctional Anxieties, COVID Stress and Loneliness during the Pandemic: Basis for Intervention Program Development
AUTHORS:
Gerlene Arteta-Ladrido
KEYWORDS:
Death and Dysfunctional Anxieties, COVID Stress, Loneliness
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Social Sciences,
Vol.11 No.6,
June
30,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background: Death, dysfunctional anxiety, COVID stress, and loneliness
were examined to establish an intervention program. This descriptive
quantitative study measured four variables using four standardized
questionnaires. Purpose: The study aimed to assess the relationship that exists
among the variables and eventually come up with a program that addresses the
research findings. Method: This convenience sample study included 699 students
and employees from a city in Region VI, Western Visayas, during the COVID-19
pandemic. Results: Results showed that roughly equal numbers of men and women
aged 18 to 29 are unmarried or living alone and married and living with their
kids, parents, or elderly parents. Most of them are students, while some work
in person, from home, or are unemployed. Death and dysfunctional anxiety do not
affect responses. There is some concern about contamination and mild worry
about the COVID-19 infection, but little traumatic stress. Most responders are
lonely. Death anxiety, COVID threat, traumatic stress, and loneliness vary
greatly between men and women. Living status groups strongly affect all
categories except loneliness. Conclusion: Death anxiety is significantly
associated with all factors except dysfunctional anxiety, which was associated
with all COVID stress characteristics. From these, the Department of Health
where respondents live may tighten the implementation of their COVID-19
Response Program, which includes verification, contact tracing, rapid risk
assessment, case measures, treatment of patients, vaccination, risk
communication, prevention, rehabilitation, and other support activities.