Vulnerability and self-efficacy predict loneliness among the Turkish public during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several negative psychological effects as well as physical effects. There are numerous studies indicating that individuals have experienced high levels of loneliness during the current health crisis. However, the relationship between vulnerability and self-efficacy with loneliness has not been sufficiently discussed during the pandemic. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the predictive effect of vulnerability and self-efficacy in loneliness among Turkish adults during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study using the snowball sampling method. The vulnerability and self-efficacy related to COVID-19 were measured with single questions, and loneliness was measured by the UCLA Loneliness scale (ULS-8). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: The results indicated that vulnerability was negatively correlated with self-efficacy (β =-0.36, p<0.001) and positively correlated with loneliness (β = 0.13, p<0.001). Similarly, self-efficacy was negatively correlated with loneliness (β =-0.12, p<0.001). Furthermore, the current research revealed that vulnerability positively predicted loneliness (β = 0.10, p<0.05). On the other hand, self-efficacy negatively predicted loneliness (β =-0.11, p< 0.05) after controlling for age and gender. Discussion: The study examined the relationship between vulnerability, self-efficacy, and loneliness among Turkish adults during COVID-19, and revealed that vulnerability is a potential risk factor for loneliness, while self-efficacy is a potential protective factor for loneliness. Take-home message: The findings of the study will provide practical information for intervention programs aimed at reducing or preventing loneliness among Turkish adults. © 2022 by the authors.

Role of resilience in psychological adjustment and satisfaction with life among undergraduate students in Turkey: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Cultivation of resilience is shown to reduce mental health problems and improve well-being. The effect of resilience on psychological adjustment problems and satisfaction with life is however not adequately discussed. This study investigated the predictive effect of resilience in psychological adjustment and satisfaction with life among undergraduate students during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sampling method was utilized to recruit undergraduate students from a public educational institution in Turkey. Psychometric valid tools, such as the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Brief Psychological Adjustment-6 (BASE-6) and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used to measure the primary outcomes of the study. Data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression. Results: Of total 224 undergraduates participated in this study, nearly 74% were males and the mean age of the sample was 21.03±1.66 years. More than half of the participants had average socioeconomic status (53.57%) followed by above-average (40.18%) and below-average (6.25%). The results indicated that males and individuals who had low socioeconomic status reported greater psychological maladjustment problems. Furthermore, the resilience negatively predicted the psychological maladjustment (β =-0.31, p<0.01) and positively predicted satisfaction with life (β = 0.17, p< 0.05) after controlling for age, gender, and perceived socioeconomic status. Discussion: These results shed light on the relationship of resilience with psychological outcomes in terms of satisfaction with life and psychological adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study point to the potential role of resilience in improving satisfaction with life and psychological adjustment among undergraduate students in Turkey. Additionally, efforts by practitioners and policymakers should be made in developing resilience-building interventions to foster post-traumatic growth among students. Take-home message: The current findings will serve as preliminary evidence to develop innovative preventative intervention programs aiming at reducing psychological adjustment problems and promoting satisfaction with life among undergraduate students in Turkey. © 2022 by the authors.