Fluctuations in worry, stress, anger, and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey: Findings of a serial cross sectional study

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study aims to follow the fluctuations in affective responses to COVID-19 such as anxiety, stress, anger, and fear of the community parallel to the changes in the regulations and the course of the pandemic. Method: In a serial cross-sectional study, online data were collected on COVID-19-related anxiety, stress, anger, and fear. 5474 participants, who were aged between 18-73 and residing in different regions of Turkey, are included in the analyses. Emotional fluctuations across five waves were analyzed with four separate one-way ANOVAs for all emotions. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between waves in terms of COVID-19 related anxiety, stress, anger, and fear (p < .05). As all emotions tended to increase up until the third wave, where all emotions tended to decrease except anger after the third wave. Discussion: Changes in the contextual factors, such as managing the pandemic, uncertainty, and vaccination, emerge as stressors and create an atmosphere of fear and worry, and affect individuals emotionally. Consequently, psychological problems such as mood and anxiety disorders may increase in the coming years.