The mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between health locus of control and corona anxiety in students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of psychological distress in the relationship between health locus of control and corona anxiety. The research method was correlation of the type path analysis. The population of this study included all Undergraduate students Poldokhtar Higher Education Center who were studying in the academic year 2020-2021. The statistical sample size was determined based on the rules of thumb Kline equal to 230 people, which was done by available sampling method and online questionnaire. The instruments used in this study were Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (KPDS-10), and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC). Data analysis was performed using Path analysis statistical method and by the SPSS-22, and AMOS-24 software. Bootstrapping method was used to examine the mediating role of the variables in Amos software. Based on the findings of the study, there was a direct causal relationship between the chance health locus of control and corona anxiety (p <0.01); However, the internal health locus of control mediated by psychological distress can reduce corona anxiety, and the powerful others health locus of control mediated by psychological distress can increase corona anxiety in students. Therefore, it is recommended to psychologists and counselors in the treatment of students' psychological problems to emphasize the internal health control center as an important variable in promoting physical and mental health and lead students to this component so that they can better adapt to critical situations.