The Mediating Role of Fear of COVID-19 in the Association between COVID-19–Related Work Stressors and Subjective Well-being
- 18 October 2023
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Wolters Kluwer Health in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
- Vol. 66 (1) , 78-91
Abstract
Objective: COVID-19 has changed work conditions and instilled fear. However, research overlooked the contributing factors to fear of COVID-19 and its impact on well-being. We addressed this research gap and focused on the essential workforce of child care. Methods: Three samples of early childhood professionals (ECPs) (N T1 = 423, N T2 = 142, N T3 = 584) were gathered in Germany between June 2020 and May 2021. We tested via path analysis whether (1) fear of COVID-19 relates to well-being, (2) COVID-19–related work stressors relate to fear of COVID-19, and (3) fear of COVID-19 mediates the relationship of work stressors and well-being. Results: Findings of NT1 and NT3 lent support, while results of NT2 differed. Conclusions: This study underlines the importance of adapting the work conditions during pandemics to reduce the fear of infection and thus preserve ECPs’ well-being.Keywords
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