Loneliness and trust issues reshape mental stress of expatriates during early COVID-19: a structural equation modelling approach

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: To explore the relationship of perceived stress (PSS) regarding loneliness (PLS) interpersonal (IPT) and institutional trust (IT) among the expatriates during the early COVID-19 period. Methods: Using the COVIDiSTRESS global survey data for 21,439 expatriates, this study applied pairwise correlation, structural equation modelling (SEM) and hierarchical linear regression analysis (HLRA). Descriptive statistics were provided for the sample representation. Results: Expatriates were mostly female (73.85%), married (60.20%), highly educated (47.76%), and employed (48.72%). Over 63% of them reported that the COVID-19 changed their life. Age, PSS, PLS, IPT and IT were moderately interrelated to each other at p<0.001. SEM evaluated that lack of trust enhances the loneliness of expatriates and loneliness increases the perceived stress. Trust in a person was more likely found to be associated with the stress whereas loneliness mediated trusts and perceived stress. HLRA was found an insignificant contributor of institutional trusts. Conclusion: PSS can be reduced through trusting others and elucidating the loneliness where the loneliness can be reduced through trusting others. This chain of psychosocial facts can be established over in the society for migrants and expatriates for mental wellbeing.