Negative Life Events Associated with COVID-19 and Psychological Distress: The Role of Irrational and Rational Beliefs

Abstract

The current study examines possible mediating and moderating mechanisms in the relationship between negative life events associated with COVID-19 and psychological distress. A total of 450 adults (mean age = 22.11 years, SD = 3. 46 years) participated in this study. The participants completed measures of negative life events, psychological distress, and irrational/rational beliefs. The present findings indicated that adverse life events associated with COVID-19 predict psychological distress in adults. The findings also indicated that indirect predictive effect of adverse life events associated with COVID-19 on psychological distress via irrational beliefs varies depending on specific value of rational beliefs. The current study contributes to existing cognitive vulnerability model by documenting when and how adverse life events associated with COVID-19 influence psychological distress.