The impact of psychological distress, fear and changes in lifestyle-related behavior on life satisfaction among working adults due to Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia

• Main Authors: Chua, Wan Yi, Koo, Yu Wen, Ng, Pui Ye
• Format: Final Year Project / Dissertation / Thesis
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: BF Psychology; H Social Sciences (General); HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform; HT Communities. Classes. Races
• Online Access: http://eprints.utar.edu.my/4564/1/FYP_PY_CWY_2022.pdf; http://eprints.utar.edu.my/4564/

Covid-19 has caused havoc in nearly every facet of life since its outbreak in March 2020. Life satisfaction can be adversely affected by a pandemic of a contagious disease. Several studies have investigated life satisfaction among university students or adolescents. Still, few have examined it among working adults, particularly during the confinement period where they are not permitted to work. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the predictive role of psychological distress, fear and changes in lifestyle-related behaviour on life satisfaction among Malaysian working adults during Movement Control Order (MCO). A total of 261 participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Those who fulfilled inclusion criteria (i.e., adults aged 18-65 year-old who work during MCO) were reached via social media platforms. The data was collected by sending online questionnaire made up of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Lifestyle-Related Behaviour Questionnaire and Satisfaction with Life Scale across both West and East Malaysia. Female participants occupied 64.3% (N=117), and male participants took up 34.1%(N=62). Three participants withheld their gender (1.6%). The final sample consists of 131 Chinese (72%), 25 Malay and Indian each (13.7%) and one from other races (0.5%). The findings revealed that psychological distress and changes in lifestyle related behaviour significantly and negatively predict life satisfaction, while fear was found not significantly, negatively predict life satisfaction among Malaysian working adults. The current study’s results provided additional insights for future studies on this subject and aided authorities in developing intervention programs for working adults to enhance their perception of their life and improve overall well-being.