A Conceptual Model Development of COVID-19's Impact on Bangladeshi Faculty Member's Psychological Wellbeing

Introduction

In December 2019, the first appearance of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, was identified in Wuhan, China, and the virus spread rapidly across the world. The World Health Organization labeled it a global pandemic as the situation worsened. Mass confinement started across the globe through strict restrictions on outdoor activities and the closure of educational institutions, public spaces, and public congregations (WHO, 2020).As a safety measure, all educational institutions and private and official offices in Bangladesh were temporarily closed from March 16, 2020. As researchers studied the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical health, it was observed that this virus significantly influences individuals' psychological status and well-being (Huang & Zhao, 2020; Ahorsu et al., 2020). Several studies were conducted to assess the general population's psychological health and conditions and identify the various factors that can be catalysts for mental health disorders. Research by Wang et al. (2020) revealed moderate to severe psychosomatic impact, anxiety, depression, and stress among the Chinese population during the pandemic. The level of impact intensified among respondents' particular criteria, especially among females, students, and others with specific health problems.

Similarly, a study conducted by Huang and Zhao (2020) in China exhibits that, due to COVID-19, the younger generation is more likely to suffer from generalized anxiety disorder and depressive symptoms than the older generation. Constant exposure to negative information regarding COVID-19 made the participants suffer from fear, anxiety, and depression (Ahorsu et al., 2020). Ahorsu et al. (2020) reported that the distress surrounding COVID-19 had caused psychological trauma, such as widespread concern, fear, and anxiety among Iranian participants. Another study by Satici et al. (2020) on Turkey's general population to explore the relationships between fear of the infectious virus, mental distress, and life satisfaction showed that psychological trauma was positively correlated with the fear of COVID-19. Zhang et al. (2020) identified severe depressive symptoms and anxiety among the public and patients who already suffered from coronavirus infection; depression was high, mostly among patients infected with COVID-19.

Furthermore, individuals who contracted COVID-19 were shown to have a depressed mood and other symptoms such as anxiety and constant irritation. Many healthcare employees suffer from stress, anxiety, and depression (Spoorthy et al., 2020). Additionally, 24.9 percent of college students experienced anxiety due to the epidemic (Cao et al., 2020). Further research indicated that anxiety levels among college students varied depending on various circumstances, including where they lived, their parents' income source, and whom they lived with (e.g., their parents, a relative, or someone who was COVID-19 positive.

Spoorthy et al.’s (2020)study showed thatanxiety symptoms concerning COVID-19 were also linked to concerns about the virus's economic impact, academic delays, and impact on daily life. Additionally, 24.9 percent of college students experienced anxiety due to the epidemic (Cao et al., 2020). Akdeniz et al. (2020) observedthat Turkish university students were more fearful of their relatives being infected by the virus than themselves being infected by it. University faculty members underwent a similar situation, as they were also facing constant psychological pressure and fear of job loss, reduced salary, a tech-dependent education system, an altered lifecycle, and being infected with the virus (Imran & Ahmed, 2020; Talidong&Toquero, 2020; Ammar et al., 2020).