Domain Specific Hope as a Predictor of Psychological Symptoms During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The likelihood that individuals will experience psychological problems increases during the pandemic periods, and these problems usually continue after the pandemic process is over. Regarding psychological problems, some concepts, such as hope, have a protective and accelerating role of well-being. This study aims to reveal the psychological symptoms experienced by individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic process and their relationships with hope and special areas of expectancy. 412 individuals aged 18-67, who are residing in Turkey, participated in the study. The data were collected within three months from the emergence of the first case in Turkey. Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-53), Life Domains Hope Scale (DSHS) were addressed to the participants for investigation. The results show that gender and education level significantly affect psychological symptoms and hope. That family and leisure time, among the special domains of hope, explained almost half of the variance and partially predicted psychological symptoms. Psychological symptoms increase and hope in some domains decreases with educational level increases. Women seem to have more psychological symptoms. It isnecessary to conduct supportive and empowering studies for these groups. Since hope is a good predictor of psychological symptoms, all interventions that increase hope in the pandemic process will reduce psychological problems. In addition, it is recommended to investigate other protective and supportive factors that may be associated with psychological symptoms during the pandemic process.