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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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01-12-2021 | Mood Disorders | Original Article

Adaptation of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale: Its Association with Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction in Turkey

Authors: Begum Satici, Emine Gocet-Tekin, M. Engin Deniz, Seydi Ahmet Satici

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 6/2021

Abstract

The world is currently experiencing a pandemic of an infectious disease called COVID-19 which has drawn global intensive attention. While global attention is largely focusing on the effects of the coronavirus on physical health, the impacts of the coronavirus on psychological health cannot be overlooked. Therefore, this study aims to adapt the Fear of COVID-19 Scale into Turkish and investigate the relationships between fear of COVID-19, psychological distress, and life satisfaction. Data were collected by convenience sampling method, which allowed us to reach total 1304 participants, aged between 18 and 64 years, from 75 cities in Turkey. In the adaptation process of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, confirmatory factor analysis, Item Response Theory, convergent validity, and reliability (Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, Guttmann’s λ6, and composite reliability) analyses were performed. Additionally, the mediating role of psychological distress on the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and life satisfaction was tested. The uni-dimensionality of the 7-item scale was confirmed on a Turkish sample. Item Response Theory revealed that all items were coherent and fit with the model. The results indicated that the Turkish version of the scale had satisfactory reliability coefficients. The fear of COVID-19 was found to be associated with psychological distress and life satisfaction. Results indicated that the Turkish version of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale had strong psychometric properties. This scale will allow mental health professionals to do research on the psychological impacts of COVID-19 in Turkey.

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Title: Adaptation of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale: Its Association with Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction in Turkey
Authors: Begum Satici
Emine Gocet-Tekin
M. Engin Deniz
Seydi Ahmet Satici
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
COVID-19
Anxiety
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 6/2021
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-020-00294-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Adaptation of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale: Its Association with Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction in Turkey

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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