Perception of COVID-19 threat, low self-efficacy, and external locus of control lead to psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic

While it is well documented that the COVID-19 pandemic has had critical consequences for individuals' mental health, few studies to date have investigated the influence of psychological factors on psychological distress in the context of COVID-19. This study explores the influences of self-efficacy, health locus of control and COVID-19 threat perception on psychological distress (DASS-21). 180 adults completed an online set of standardized questionnaires. Results indicated that self-efficacy had a significant relationship with all three sub-scales of psychological distress. However, COVID-19 threat perception was significantly associated with stress. External health locus of control was significantly associated with depression by the chance externality sub-scale, and stress by the powerful others externality sub-scale. Additionally, external health locus of control was found to moderate the relationship between COVID-19 threat perception and depression.