COVID-19 stressors, mental/emotional distress and political support
West European Politics
; 46(2):425-436, 2023.
Article
in English
| ProQuest Central | ID: covidwho-2228092
ABSTRACT
The effects of COVID-19 on democracy and mental health are still under investigation. In this article, it is considered that, on average, higher COVID-19 stressors and symptoms of distress are associated with lower political support and that higher COVID-19 stressors are associated with higher symptoms of mental/emotional distress. This formulation was tested by conducting two online surveys in Britain in August 2020 and March 2021. Strong support was found for this hypothesis. Greater worry about COVID-19 life changes is associated with a lower evaluation of government performance on the pandemic and with a lower perceived responsiveness of the political system;higher COVID-19 stress resulting from anti-pandemic measures is associated with a poorer evaluation of government performance and, subsequently, with less trust in government. It was also found that higher COVID-19 worry and stress were associated with more symptoms of mental/emotional distress. These findings highlight that pandemic-related stressors may influence people's political engagement and mental health.
Political Science--International Relations; COVID-19; democracy; depression; anxiety; stress; Political systems; Symptoms; Life changes; Political participation; Responsiveness; Worry; Mental health; Politics; Pandemics; Internet; Government; Emotional distress; Coronaviruses; Psychological distress
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
ProQuest Central
Type of study:
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
Language:
English
Journal:
West European Politics
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
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