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Background and Objectives: Fear of COVID-19 is common among older adults and negatively impacts on their physical and mental health. Self-regulation is an essential factor for controlling or managing excitement and anxiety. So, this study aimed to determine the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and death anxiety with the moderator role of self-regulation among the elderly residing in Qazvin. Method(s): This descriptive and cross-sectional study was performed on 430 elderly aged 60 and over living in Qazvin in 2021. Samples were selected by cluster sampling method. The demographic checklist, Templer death anxiety scale, fear of COVID-19 questionnaire, and Self-Regulation Inventory were used for collecting the data. The data were analyzed using the Path Analyze test. Result(s): The mean age of the elder participants in the study was 66.88 +/- 6.40 years old. The results showed a significant and positive relationship between fear of COVID-19 and death anxiety (beta=0.60, P<0.001) and an inverse association between fear of COVID-19 (beta=-0.24, P=0.021) and death anxiety (beta=-0.10, P=0.021) with self-regulation. Furthermore, the results of the Path analysis confirmed the moderator role of self-regulation in the association between fear of Covid-19 and death anxiety among the elderly residing in Qazvin, Iran. Conclusion(s): Given the mediator role of self-regulation in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and death anxiety, it is suggested to use teaching strategies to the older adults to improve self-regulation to control and mitigate the negative impacts of the fear of COVID-19 in this vulnerable population.Copyright © 2022 The Authors.
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Aims: Onco-hematologic diseases (lymphomas, myeloma, leukemia) require intensive treatment regimens and represent a burden at the affective and instrumental level for their caregivers. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between caregiving burden and depressive symptoms in caregivers of onco-hematologic patients during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Method(s): A convenience sample of 101 caregivers of onco-hematologic patients were recruited at the Hematology Unit of the Holy Spirit Hospital, Pescara, Italy. Most of the caregivers were female (80%) with an average age of 41 years old (SD = 14.01). Participants were administered the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression, and the Fear of Covid-19 Scale (FCV-19S) during two months of the COVID-19-related stay-at-home period (April-May 2021). Result(s): Moderate-to-severe depression (PHQ-9 > 10) were reported by 36% of caregivers. Depressive symptoms were associated with caregivers' time-dependence (r = 0.43), developmental (r = 0.61), physical (r = 0.72), social (r = 0.60), and emotional burden (r = 0.43) (all ps < 0.001). CBI explained 53% of the PHQ-9 variance, particularly the physical (beta = 0.54, p < 0.001) and the social (beta = 0.30, p < 0.01) dimensions of burden. Unexpectedly, COVID-19 was not associated with caregiver burden and depressive symptoms. Conclusion(s): Caregivers of onco-hematologic patients may experience depression due to the burden of caregiving, which is related mostly to the patients' disease rather than extraordinary, even dramatic events such as the pandemic. Psychological interventions are needed for them.Copyright © 2023
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The novelty and uncertainty of the pandemic nourished a gener-alized fear of the COVID-19, which seems to have exacerbated the pan-demic's negative impact. It is thus relevant to monitor fear of COVID-19 and its association with individuals' mental health, well-being, and behav-iors. Valid and reliable measures of fear of COVID-19 are necessary for that purpose. This study aimed at assessing the psychometric properties of a European Portuguese version of the Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S-P). A secondary aim was to assess FCV-19S-P's multigroup measurement invariance (female vs. male). A sample of 572 Portuguese adults (72 % fe-male) completed the FCV-19S-P and measures of depression, anxiety, and stress. The study results supported this version validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .84;Composite Reliability = .83), and a factorial struc-ture similar to the original version. Fear of COVID-19 was positively asso-ciated (.23 < r < .31) with depression, anxiety, and stress. Results of the multigroup invariance analysis supported the FCV-19S-P total scalar invar-iance and its partial residual invariance, suggesting that this measure may be used to reach valid conclusions in respect to gender comparisons in samples of Portuguese adults in regard to group observed composite means. © 2023, Universidad de Murcia Servicio de Publicaciones. All rights reserved.
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Introduction: The worldwide lockdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been reported to have an impact on many people's quality of life. This study aims to measure the quality of life for Malaysians during this time and its associated factors. Method(s): This national online survey from August to December 2021 via placement of QR codes in public places such as shopping malls, vaccination centres, and hospital outpatient clinics. The QR code is linked to a google form in Malay, which consists of four sections, including: socio-demographic;validated Fear of COVID-19 Scale;validated Brief COPE scale to assess coping strategies as well as regulating cognition in response to stressors coping mechanisms, and quality of life, measured using a validated WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The data collected were analysed via linear regression to obtain the final model. Result(s): There were 4904 Malaysian adults who participated in this survey with a mean of age 32(SD=9.2), and the majority being female (83.7%). Based on the finding, 59.1% claim to have had a low overall quality of life during the pandemic. Age, education status, and income as well as psychological related predictors (fear of COVID-19, coping strategies, and psychological distress) are the predictors that explain 69% of the total variance in quality of life among Malaysians. Conclusion(s): Targeting modifiable factors such as psychoeducation on fear of COVID-19, and coping strategies can potentially improve the quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic among Malaysians.
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Background: Mental health problems experienced during pregnancy negatively affect both maternal and fetal wellbeing. Objective(s): This study aimed to investigate the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and pregnancy distress in healthy pregnant women living in Turkey. Method(s): A descriptive, relational/cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing 363 pregnant women in person. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS). Result(s): The mean FCV-19S score was 19.03+/-5.65 and the mean TPDS score was 19.97+/-7.97. According to the TPDS cut-off score, 19.0% of the participants were at risk of pregnancy distress. There was a significant positive correlation between FCV-19S and TPDS scores (r = 0.263, p<0.05). According to the regression analysis, age (beta=-0.217), years of education (beta=-0.272), and number of births (beta= 0.502) were associated with fear of COVID-19, and fear of COVID-19 was associated with TPDS scores (beta= 0.369) (p<0.05). Conclusion(s): The pregnant women in this study had moderate fear of COVID-19. Compared to the literature data, the prevalence of pregnancy distress was slightly higher than pre-COVID-19 reports but quite low compared to other studies conducted during the pandemic.Copyright © 2023 Mamuk R et al.
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BACKGROUND: Despite existing research on mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, studies related to help-seeking intention for mental health, particularly in Indonesia, are limited. During this unprecedented crisis, it is important to determine help-seeking intention, to allow providers of mental health services to deliver the appropriate intervention and so as to avoid the worst scenario. The aim of this study was to determine factors predicting help-seeking intention during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD(S): A cross-sectional approach using questionnaires were employed. Items on sociodemographic factors were asked. Several instruments were also administered: the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and the General Help-seeking Questionnaire. Online questionnaires were distributed via email, WhatsApp Messenger, and Facebook Messenger during the period August 11-21, 2020, yielding responses from 1340 participants (females = 971, males = 369). The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. RESULT(S): The results showed that age, education, occupation, living in an infected area, and fear were statistically significant predictors of help-seeking intention. CONCLUSION(S): Mental health services need to be equitably available for people of various sociodemographic backgrounds during the COVID-19 pandemic. To improve and strengthen help-seeking intention, providers of mental health services should consider providing appropriate services based on age, education, and occupation. They also need to take into consideration special emphasis for those who are living in infected areas, leading to them being in a state of heightened fear, which is also a predictor.Copyright © 2021 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA.
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The COVID-19 pandemic's global emergence/spread caused widespread fear. Measurement/tracking of COVID-19 fear could facilitate remediation. Despite the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S)'s validation in multiple languages/countries, nationwide United States (U.S.) studies are scarce. Cross-sectional classical test theory-based validation studies predominate. Our longitudinal study sampled respondents to a 3-wave, nationwide, online survey. We calibrated the FCV-19S using a unidimensional graded response model. Item/scale monotonicity, discrimination, informativeness, goodness-of-fit, criterion validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability were assessed. Items 7, 6, and 3 consistently displayed very high discrimination. Other items had moderate-to-high discrimination. Items 3, 6, and 7 were most (items 1 and 5 the least) informative. [Correction added on 18 May 2023, after first online publication: In the preceding sentence, the term 'items one-fifth least' has been changed to 'items 1 and 5 the least'.] Item scalability was 0.62-0.69; full-scale scalability 0.65-0.67. Ordinal reliability coefficient was 0.94; test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient 0.84. Positive correlations with posttraumatic stress/anxiety/depression, and negative correlations with emotional stability/resilience supported convergent/divergent validity. The FCV-19S validly/reliably captures temporal variation in COVID-19 fear across the U.S.
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The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to the implementation of restrictions to reduce transmission worldwide. The restrictions and measures have affected the psychological health and eating habits. The objective of the present study was to evaluate dietary habits, lifestyle changes, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) and fear of COVID-19 in Turkey during the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey of socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle habits was used for data collection. The fear of COVID-19 levels of the participants was determined by the fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). The Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) was used to evaluate participants' adherence to the MD. The differences between the FCV-19S and MEDAS according to gender were compared. Eight hundred and twenty subjects (76â 6 % women and 28â 4 % men) were evaluated within the study. The mean of MEDAS (ranged between 0 and 12) was 6â 4 ± 2â 1, and almost half of the participants moderately adhered to the MD. The mean of FCV-19S (ranged between 7 and 33) was 16â 8 ± 5â 7, while women's FCV-19S and MEDAS were significantly higher than men's (P < 0â 001). The consumption of sweetened cereals, grains, pasta, homemade bread and pastries of the respondents with high FCV-19S were higher than in those with low FCV-19S. High FCV-19S was also characterized by decreased take-away food and fast food consumption in approximately 40 % of the respondents (P < 0â 01). Similarly, women's fast food and take-away food consumption decreased more than men's (P < 0â 05). In conclusion, the respondents' food consumption and eating habits varied according to the fear of COVID-19.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Diet, Mediterranean , Male , Humans , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pandemics , Fear , BreadABSTRACT
Fear is a central emotional response to imminent threats such as the coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19). The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) assesses the severity of fear towards COVID-19. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the FCV-19S. Using a forward-backward translation, the FCV-19S was translated into Arabic. An online survey using the Arabic versions of FCV-19S and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was administered. Reliability and concurrent and confirmatory validity were examined. The dataset consisted of 693 Saudi participants. The internal consistency of the Arabic FCV-19S was satisfactory (α = .88), with sound concurrent validity indicated by significant and positive correlations with HADS (r = .66). The unidimensional structure of the FCV-19S was confirmed. The Arabic version of the FCV-19S is psychometrically robust and can be used in research assessing the psychological impact of COVID-19 among a Saudi adult population.
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Aim: The emergence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not only create international concern, but also caused panic, fear, and an increase in mental health problems among individuals. Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), developed by Ahorsu, was previously reported as a valid psychometric instrument for the assessment of COVID-19 fear among individuals. Validation of the scale among other high-risk groups like pregnant women may help obstetricians develop better coping skills during the pandemic. Material(s) and Method(s): This cross-sectional methodological study included 277 pregnant women admitted for routine follow-up at the outpatient obstetrics clinic of Liv Ankara Hospital, Turkey. Participants were asked to complete the Turkish version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and FCV-19S. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 25 software. Result(s): The mean FCV-19S score was 19.2+/-5.7 (range: 7-35). Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency evaluating the reliability of FCV-19S, was 0.857, revealing a satisfactory internal consistency. According to the correlation matrix analysis, all items of FCV-19S showed positive and strong correlations with total FCV-19S scores (p<0.001), and positive and moderate correlations with HADS scores (p<0.001). Discussion(s): Turkish version of FCV-19S is a valid and reliable clinical tool to assess the anxiety of pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey.Copyright © 2023, Derman Medical Publishing. All rights reserved.
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SARS-CoV-2 spread rapidly, infecting people around the globe in-cluding the Iranian population. Among those infected, the highest percentage in infection prevalence was amongstthose aged 60 years and older. The aim of the study was to examine Covid-19 fear and health-related quality of life in older adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 205 elderly froman Iranian province.The research data were collected through an online questionnaire consisting of three parts: Personal Information Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCS), and the World Health Organization Life Quality Scale-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF).An independent two-group t-test (Student's t-test), and one-way ANOVA test were used to compare the means of the respective groups. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to deter-mine the level of correlation between two independent continuous variables. This data was analyzed using LISREL through confirma-tory factor analysis. In total, 205 elderly people responded. Participants (n=205) were in the age range of 60-87 with an average age of 67+/-6.83 years in men and 60-92 with an average age of 66+/-6.60 in women.The mean score was obtained for FCS19.5+/-6.6, the mean score was obtained for the WHOQOL-BREF 61.2+/-19.3. The mean score of FCS in men (20.4+/-6.3) was significantly higher than the mean score in women (18.3+/-6.7) (p=0.023). It was found that there were very weak but significant inverse correlations between FCS and the WHOQOL-BREF (r=-0.22;p=0.001). In conclusion, it was found that fear of COVID-19 was below the medium level, while their WHOQOL-BREF was above the medium level.Finally, we also found that, as the score from FCS increased, the scores obtained from WHOQOL-BREF decreased.Copyright © 2023, MEDSPORTPRESS Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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The current study aimed to determine the level of fear of COVID-19 among Indian residents using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and compare it with demographic variables. This cross-sectional online survey conducted among the Indian population employed a convenient snowball sampling technique. Age, gender, marital status, educational qualifications, health care worker status and state of residence were the demographic details (six items) collected. The seven-item FCV-19S was used to assess fear regarding COVID-19 on a five-point Likert scale. The mean score for the responses was calculated and compared based on demographic variables. A comparison of low and high levels of fear and a multiple logistic regression analysis of levels of fear with demographic variables were conducted. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study population comprised 45.6% (683) males and 54.4% (816) females, with approximately 68% belonging to the age group of 20-40 years. The overall mean score for the questionnaire was 18.00 + 5.68. A significantly higher number of the study population reported low fear (54.8%). Only gender (p = 0.08) and health care worker status (p = 0.02) revealed a significant difference based on the level of fear. Females, married status, lower educational status and being a health care worker displayed significantly higher odds for high level of fear compared to their respective counterparts in this study population. The findings of this study may help to identify the groups most at risk and formulate tailor-made intervention strategies to ensure their optimal health in this time of global crisis.
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Background: The advent of COVID-19 worldwide has led to consequences for people's health, both physical and psychological, such as fear and anxiety. This is the case in Italy, one of the countries most affected by the pandemic. Given the heightened fear concerning COVID-19 in Italy., the present study analyzed the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). Methods: The sample comprised 250 Italian participants who were administered Italian versions of the FCV-19S, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Severity Measure for Specific Phobia-Adult (SMSP-A). Several psychometric tests were performed to investigate the validity and reliability of the test including confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Analysis of the data showed satisfactory psychometric characteristics and confirmed the scale's unidimensional properties. The seven FCV-19S items had acceptable correlations with the test total (from .443 to .784). Furthermore, the loadings on the factor were significant and strong (from .684 to .897). The internal consistency was very good (α = .871). Construct validity for the FCV-19S was supported by significant and positive correlations with the HADS (r=.649) and SMSP-A (r=.703). Conclusions: The Italian version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale is valid and reliable in assessing fear of COVID-19 among the general Italian population.
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The recently developed Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) is a seven-item uni-dimensional scale that assesses the severity of fears of COVID-19. Given the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh, we aimed to translate and validate the FCV-19S in Bangla. The forward-backward translation method was used to translate the English version of the questionnaire into Bangla. The reliability and validity properties of the Bangla FCV-19S were rigorously psychometrically evaluated (utilizing both confirmatory factor analysis and Rasch analysis) in relation to socio-demographic variables, national lockdown variables, and response to the Bangla Health Patient Questionnaire. The sample comprised 8550 Bangladeshi participants. The Cronbach α value for the Bangla FCV-19S was 0.871 indicating very good internal reliability. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that the uni-dimensional factor structure of the FCV-19S fitted well with the data. The FCV-19S was significantly correlated with the nine-item Bangla Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-90) (r = 0.406, p < 0.001). FCV-19S scores were significantly associated with higher worries concerning lockdown. Measurement invariance of the FCV-19S showed no differences with respect to age or gender. The Bangla version of FCV-19S is a valid and reliable tool with robust psychometric properties which will be useful for researchers carrying out studies among the Bangla speaking population in assessing the psychological impact of fear from COVID-19 infection during this pandemic.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted college students' coursework, stress levels, and perceived health. Various estimates indicate that high proportions of college students have experienced increased amounts of stress (Dziech, Inside Higher Education, 2020; Hartocollis, New York Times, 2020), yet other sources indicate that many college students respond to these changes with resilience (Kelley, Cornell Chronicle, 2020). A method for assessing student anxiety regarding the pandemic is thus needed. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) (Ahorsu et al., International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 2020) is a seven-item scale which has been validated and shown to possess good psychometric qualities in studies of participants from multiple countries. The current study used a cross-sectional convenience sample of US college student participants (n = 237) and found that the FCV-19S has high reliability and validity as demonstrated by its internal consistency and strong one-factor solution. Scores on the FCV-19S were positively correlated with anxiety for students who were married or of Asian descent. Additionally, the FCV-19S was only moderately correlated with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale (GAD-7), suggesting that the FCV-19S may bring added utility to research and clinical practice with populations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The current pandemic of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 has increased the anxiety and fear experienced by many. The main objective of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish-translated version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) using a sample of population in Peru. This is a cross-sectional instrumental study. Data were collected by a convenience sampling method, resulting in a total of 832 participants, and the collection took place over 1 week, April 17-23, 2020. The original version of the FCV-19S was translated from English into Spanish. The results support a bifactor model consisting of one general factor and two specific factors-one of emotional fear reactions and another of somatic expressions of fear of COVID-19 (CFI = 0.988, RMSEA = 0.075). Invariance between healthcare workers and age groups was reached (ΔCFI < 0.01), but the invariance between men and women was not met (ΔCFI = 0.02). Convergent validity was found with depressive, anxious, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. The general factor of the fear of COVID-19 and two specific factors had an optimal level of internal consistency (ω > 0.89 and α > 0.83). The study found the Spanish-translated version of the FCV-19S has good psychometric properties and presents evidence of validity and reliability.
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Fear of novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) may result in psychological health problems among different populations. Moreover, believing COVID-19 information and preventive COVID-19 infection behaviors are relevant constructs associated with fear of COVID-19. Therefore, the present study validated three instruments assessing fear, beliefs, and preventive behaviors related to COVID-19 among individuals with mental illness. Moreover, relationships between the three constructs were examined. Individuals with mental illness (N = 400; 178 females; mean age = 46.91 years) completed the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), Believing COVID-19 Information Scale (BCIS), Preventive COVID-19 Infection Behaviors Scale (PCIBS), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The FCV-19S, BCIS, and PCIBS demonstrated a single-factor structure with satisfactory fit indices. Moreover, believing COVID-19 information positively and significantly associated with fear of COVID-19, and fear of COVID-19 negatively and significantly associated with preventive behaviors and positively and significantly associated with psychological distress. The FCV-19S, BCIS, and PCIBS may assist healthcare providers in assessing COVID-19-related information among individuals with mental illness. Consequently, relevant programs may be designed to help individuals with mental illness going through the period of crisis.
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Background: The emergence of the COVID-19 and its consequences has led to fears, worries, and anxiety among individuals worldwide. The present study developed the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) to complement the clinical efforts in preventing the spread and treating of COVID-19 cases. Methods: The sample comprised 717 Iranian participants. The items of the FCV-19S were constructed based on extensive review of existing scales on fears, expert evaluations, and participant interviews. Several psychometric tests were conducted to ascertain its reliability and validity properties. Results: After panel review and corrected item-total correlation testing, seven items with acceptable corrected item-total correlation (0.47 to 0.56) were retained and further confirmed by significant and strong factor loadings (0.66 to 0.74). Also, other properties evaluated using both classical test theory and Rasch model were satisfactory on the seven-item scale. More specifically, reliability values such as internal consistency (α = .82) and test-retest reliability (ICC = .72) were acceptable. Concurrent validity was supported by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (with depression, r = 0.425 and anxiety, r = 0.511) and the Perceived Vulnerability to Disease Scale (with perceived infectability, r = 0.483 and germ aversion, r = 0.459). Conclusion: The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, a seven-item scale, has robust psychometric properties. It is reliable and valid in assessing fear of COVID-19 among the general population and will also be useful in allaying COVID-19 fears among individuals.
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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its related consequences caused a higher risk of mental health problems for nurses. Hence, this study aims to reduce the level of fear and stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and promote active coping among Egyptian nurses. Method(s): This quasi-intervention study was conducted on 125 nurses working at Benha's University hospitals, who were selected by a systematic random sampling technique within the time interval of March 2021 to July 2021. The study was conducted using the fear of COVID-19 scale, the stress scale of depression, anxiety and stress scales, and the Brief (COPE) inventory scale. Result(s): The mean ages of the studied nurses were 36.70 +/- 9.50. Almost half of the studied nurses were males and married. Before the intervention, 47.2% of nurses had severe stress levels while 82.4% had a high level of fear of COVID-19. Experience years, type of department, and worries about vaccine side effects were the predictors of the fear of COVID-19. A significant difference (p =.000) was found between both mean stress and fear scores pre-intervention (15.27 +/- 5.47 and 25.56 +/- 6.13) and post-intervention (4.87 +/- 2.14 and 11.92 +/- 2.43). The most prevalent coping strategies among nurses before the intervention were self-distraction (5.03 +/- 1.53), followed by behavioral disengagement and self-blaming. However, after the intervention, religion was found to be the utmost coping mechanism (6.12 +/- 1.17), followed by positive reframing and acceptance. Conclusion(s): The majority of the nurses in the study reported a significant fear of COVID-19, and around half of the nurses had severe stress as a result. After the intervention, the stress and fear scores were reduced by half or even less. Age, longer work experience, and worries about the vaccine were the predictors of fear of COVID-19. The coping strategies used after the intervention shifted toward active coping strategies.Copyright © 2023 Omar et al.
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This study explores the correlates of depressive and anxious symptomatology in a Lebanese sample during the COVID-19 outbreak. A convenience sample of 191 respondents participated in a cross-sectional survey and completed measures of fear of COVID-19, rumination about COVID-19, job insecurity, political trust, depression, and generalized anxiety. Results indicated that political trust was associated with greater wellbeing (manifested as decreased job insecurity, fear of COVID-19, depression, and anxiety). Respondents who reported no compliance with self-isolation measures reported less rumination about COVID-19 and less fear of COVID-19 than those who did. Multiple regression analyses showed that fear of, and rumination about, COVID-19 predicted depressive and anxious symptomatology while political trust was protective against depressive symptomatology only. This study provides a novel perspective on mental health in Lebanon, by focusing on its social and psychological predictors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to political and economic instability in Lebanon, the COVID-19 crisis may have deleterious effects on mental health in the Lebanese population. Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based and cost-effective approach to enhancing mental health during the pandemic and may be beneficial in the Lebanese context.Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.