Fear, Optimism, Pessimism, and Resilience in Jordanian Population during COVID-19 Crisis

COVID-19 spread to pandemic levels in a matter of weeks. COVID-19 is a pandemic that affected people worldwide and resulted in negative psychological consequences. It is essential to understand the factors that assisted people in adapting to this pandemic.

The study aimed to assess resilience and its predictors during the COVID-19 pandemic among the Jordanian population.

A cross-sectional design with purposive snowball sampling was used. The sample included 913 participants. Data were collected using online questionnaires, including the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Arabic Scale of Optimism and Pessimism. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the data.

The mean total score of fear, optimism, pessimism, and resilience was 17.54 (SD= 5.9), 51 (SD= 13.51), 24.84 (SD= 12.31), and 24.73 (SD=6.2), respectively. Up to 75% of the sample scored 29 or less on the resilience scale. Employment status, fear of COVID-19, optimism, and pessimism were significant predictors of resilience.

Jordanian population showed lower resilience levels. Individuals who were employed, optimistic, and not pessimistic had a lower level of fear of COVID-19 and a higher level of resilience. The findings from the study emphasize the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential aspects of the psychological health of populations.