investigating the psychological risk and protective factors related to fear of covid-19 during the covid-19 pandemic in iran

Objective: the current covid-19 pandemic is associated with numerous psychological issues, such as anxiety and distress as a result of individual, health-related, social, and economic issues. this study aims to assess the general population in iran for the negative impacts of the current pandemic on psychological well-being and to find possible protective and risk factors when facing such situations in the current covid-19 pandemic.methods: a total of 317 people participated in an online survey in iran from august 3, 2020, to september 20, 2020. anxiety, depression, fear of covid-19, emotion regulation, intolerance of uncertainty, illness perception, neuroticism, social support, and self-efficacy were evaluated. results: the results showed that measures that assess anxiety, depression, emotion regulation, intolerance of uncertainty, illness perception, neuroticism, social support, and self-efficacy were significantly related to fear of covid-19. meanwhile, the results of regression analysis demonstrated that neuroticism, intolerance of uncertainty, and illness perception could predict fear of covid-19 beyond and above anxiety and depression.conclusion: some factors, including neuroticism, illness perception, and intolerance of uncertainty are considered risk factors for mental health during this pandemic.