Examining the longitudinal effects and potential mechanisms of hope on COVID-19 stress, anxiety, and well-being

Abstract

Hope is a cognitive trait that predicts both resilience to and recovery from anxiety and stress-related disorders. The present study examines the prospective associations of hope with subsequent anxiety, stress, and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived emotional control, a transdiagnostic vulnerability factor, was also examined as a potential mediator of these relationships. American adults (N = 822) were recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic using Amazon mTURK and structural equation modeling was used to examine how trait hope predicted outcomes approximately one month later. Higher hope was associated with greater well-being and perceived emotional control, as well as lower levels of anxiety and COVID-19 perceived stress. Results also indicated an indirect effect of hope with all outcomes via perceived emotional control. These findings suggest that hope may associated with resilience to the chronic stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.