Date of Conferral

5-14-2025

Date of Award

May 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Anthony Perry

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic created a mental health crisis within the United States. Previous research examining locus of control and mental health issues during the pandemic revealed that individuals with an external locus of control exhibited increased mental health symptoms. Research also found that political attitudes played a role regarding COVID-19 with liberal-leaning individuals and Democrats reporting higher levels of emotional distress during the pandemic. The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental, correlational study was to determine the extent to which political ideology moderates the relationship between locus of control and COVID-19-related anxiety and stress. Locus of control was the theoretical foundation that informed this study. Data were collected through administering an online survey to 222 participants 21 years of age and older who were living in the United States. Multiple regression with moderation analyses resulted in no significant predictors of COVID-19-related anxiety or stress. Findings from this study may contribute to positive social change by developing public health messaging, regarding any significant health emergency like COVID-19, to target partisans of all affiliations to reduce its incidence and prevent mental health symptoms.

Download

Included in

Psychology Commons

Share

 
COinS