The influence of leadership on covid anxiety levels

Generally, COVID-19 attacks the human body's respiratory system. However, COVID-19 also has a psychological impact on most people, including leaders such as the president. How does leadership affect COVID-19 anxiety?

The influence of leadership on COVID-19 anxiety

Along with the increasing number of COVID-19 cases and appeals physical distancing to slow the spread of the virus, psychological challenges also increase. The role of social media is quite important so that people can relate indirectly to other people, including their leaders.

For some leaders, such as the president in Indonesia, using social media is not just for providing information. They also use social media to exert their leadership influence so that anxiety about COVID-19 decreases.

However, not all world leaders use this method, such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel. This is what the researchers study from Journal of Public Health wanted to determine the level of anxiety about COVID-19 and the public trust in Germany in the government.

Experts in the study tried to review the health parameters of 12,244 participants who were German citizens. Participants were asked to answer the questions given within a two week timeframe, namely March 10 to 24.

The list of questions provided includes the perceived threat level of COVID-19, trust in the German government, and general level of anxiety. In addition, researchers also analyzed mental health data related to the leadership actions of German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

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As a result, from March 10 onwards, there was a fairly steady increase in anxiety and depression. The increase was accompanied by the announcement of the closure of public facilities by the authorities. The peak of anxiety and depression increased after the borders were closed for two days.

On March 18, Angela Merkel made an unprecedented speech to German society. It makes depression and anxiety decrease.

Although there has been a spike back after the appeal physical distancing be encouraged, the two psychological effects of COVID-19 are far below pre-speech levels.

From the survey, it can be seen that the German Chancellor's leadership has a significant influence on anxiety due to COVID-19. Angela Merkel's speech left a large part of German society satisfied with the steps the government was taking.

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In addition to general anxiety and depression, researchers also looked at the level of the threat of COVID-19 that participants felt. The level of threat is seen by how the public reacts to the pandemic, such as hoarding foodstuffs and masks.

The influence of such a leadership on the German government is quite large on the level of public trust and anxiety caused by COVID-19. Although initially quite low, the closure of public facilities and borders has shown a significant increase.

After that, the community also showed a steady increase. This shows that they are quite satisfied with the government's move and a high level of trust in political authorities, such as the German Chancellor.

According to the American Psychology Association, this situation is very likely given that most people seek guidance on what needs to be done. The uncertainty during a pandemic really requires a form of leadership that is strong, calm, and trustworthy.

This guidance does not only apply to political leaders, such as the president, but also parents, teachers, and company leaders. Here are some things that can be done to keep thinking positively during the COVID-19 pandemic by using leadership.

1. Start by managing stress

One of the things that can be done by harnessing the influence of leadership on COVID-19 anxiety is to start by managing stress.

Society views leaders as people who are calm and full of consideration for their decisions and actions. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly stresses all leaders, but dealing with problems emotionally only adds to the stress of society.

Therefore, leaders, both parents and the president, try to start managing stress. You also need to understand what causes a moderately emotional reaction, including when faced with high-level demands.

2. Honest to build trust

Honesty and transparency are key elements of harnessing the influence of your leadership on COVID-19 anxiety. That way, people can trust you more.

Trustworthy or credible leaders demonstrate that they understand the risks and consequences of a situation. At the same time leaders do not give people hope that they know all the answers.

At least, by acknowledging this ignorance, the leader tried to ask other experts in an effort to calm the public.

In addition, conveying news transparently and openly, including bad news clearly enough, is also necessary to increase trust. This is intended so that people do not misunderstand and see everything is fine.

Leaders who don't share all the facts in a vague way cause more panic and reactions. Therefore, credibility, transparency and honesty are needed in times like these.

3. Optimistic and empathetic when disseminating information

When disseminating information, either through social media or through regular speeches, leaders should first identify the situation. In times of a COVID-19 pandemic like this, the uncertainty and anxiety experienced by the community is quite diverse.

This is even more so when the leader is announcing a decision that has an impact on community stress, such as closing schools and reducing working hours. Society needs leaders who can give them hope and control.

By providing specific steps, such as the health protocol during Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB), at least it helps the community to manage anxiety and anxiety during a pandemic.

4. Become a role model

In times of a pandemic like this, most people probably don't know how to behave. It was this period of the COVID-19 pandemic that made people see leaders as role models, at least to reduce anxiety.

Therefore, leaders need to be consistent with what they ask the community to do. Leaders, both parents and teachers, will be the first to implement new policies and ways to prevent COVID-19, such as reducing travel.

That way, the community will follow what the leaders do because they are basically respected.

In the midst of this uncertainty, the impact of leadership on COVID-19 anxiety is immense. Therefore, for those of you who are leaders, both in the family and within a large group or community, you need to be careful in taking steps.