Social-emotional determinants of fear of COVID-19 virus

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati strah od COVID-19 virusa s obzirom na stil privrženosti, percepciju socijalne podrške, strah od gubitka bliskih osoba i doživljeni gubitak u djetinjstvu. Istraživanje je provedeno putem online ankete na 240 punoljetnih ispitanika (77.9% žena) u dobi od 18 do 59 godina (M=26,9; SD=8,4). Obradom podataka utvrđeno je da je strah od COVID-19 virusa značajno (pozitivno) povezan sa strahom od gubitka bliske osobe (r=0,634, p0,05) i percipirana socijalna podrška (r=0,068, p>0,05) ne doprinose objašnjenju straha od COVID-19 virusa. Istraživanje je pridonijelo boljem uvidu u složenost konstrukta straha od COVID-19 virusa i boljem razumijevanju njegovih odrednica pomoću kojih se u budućnosti može bolje fokusirati na one osobe kojima je potrebna dodatna pomoć i podrška u nošenju sa strahom od COVID-19 virusa i izazovima tijekom pandemije.The objective of this study was to examine the fear of COVID-19 virus regarding to the style of attachment, the perception of social support, the fear of losing a close person and the loss of loved ones experienced in childhood. The survey was conducted through an online survey of 240 adult respondents (77.9% of women) aged 18 to 59 (M=26.9; SD=8.4). Data analysis has shown that there is a significant (positive) correlation between the fear of COVID-19 virus and the fear of loss of a close person (r=0.634, p0.05) than people with a secure style of attachment. Contrary to expectations, significant childhood loss (M-W U=6247, p>0.05) and perceived social support (r=0.068, p>0.05) do not contribute to explaining the fear of COVID-19 virus. The research has contributed to a better insight into the complexity of the fear of COVID-19 virus and a better understanding of its determinants, which can help in better focusing on those people who need additional assistance and support in dealing with the fear of COVID-19 virus and the challenges during the pandemic