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Spirituality, Intolerance and Fear of COVID-19: Psychological Distress Among Older Adults in Pakistan

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Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the role of spirituality, intolerance of uncertainty (IU), and fear of COVID-19 as correlates and predictors of psychological distress among older adults in Pakistan and also assess the gender differences among research variables. Using a quantitative correlational survey research design, a sample of 150 (75 = Men, 75 = Women) older adults aged 55 years and above from different cities of Pakistan were approached through a non-probability purposive sampling strategy. Participants completed the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale IUS-12, Fear of COVID-19, and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-K10. Spirituality has a significant negative relationship with psychological distress. Whereas, IU (Inhibitory anxiety and prospective anxiety) and fear of COVID-19 have a significant positive relationship with psychological distress. Results also showed that spirituality, IU dimensions, and fear of COVID-19 emerged as significant predictors of psychological distress among older adults after controlling for the effect of covariates. In addition, elderly females significantly showed more spirituality, less IU, and fear of COVID-19 as compared to elderly males. It is proposed that mental health care plays an important role in treating the psychological needs of older adults in pandemic situations and that further study is needed to develop effective solutions for older persons in stressful situations such as pandemics.

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The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Lahore School of Behavioural Sciences (LSBS), The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan

    Maheen Asif & Zohaib Ahmed

  2. Department of Applied Psychology, Kinnaird College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan

    Sara Asad

  3. Department of Humanities, The COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Pakistan

    Shalmee Emmanuel

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  1. Maheen Asif
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  2. Sara Asad
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  4. Shalmee Emmanuel
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Contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by MaheenAsif (First Author), Sara Asad, Zohaib Ahmed and Shalmee Emmanuel. The first draft of the manuscript was written by MaheenAsif (first author)and all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Maheen Asif.

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Ethical Approval

The institutional approval was taken to conduct this research. Permission was taken from authors of the scales which were used in this study. Permission for Urdu translation was obtained. Participants were informed regarding the research purpose, its implication, time required and procedure. Furthermore, written consent of the participants was taken to participate in the present research. They were informed that the information will be kept private and confidential. Participants had the right to withdraw from the Survey at any point they feel like. The participants were explained the entire concept of study but all the details were not explained as it may involve an element of bias.

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Asif, M., Asad, S., Ahmed, Z. et al. Spirituality, Intolerance and Fear of COVID-19: Psychological Distress Among Older Adults in Pakistan. J Relig Health (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02015-6

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