Intolerance of Uncertainty in the Covid-19 Outbreak: A Study on Social Work Students in Konya

Abstract

In addition to being a health problem, the Covid-19 epidemic also causes fundamental problems in areas such as the economy, social, political, and education at the global level. People continue to live daily with fears such as getting sick or losing their loved ones and exposure to severe traumatic effects. Social work students are among the negatively affected groups in this uncertain and risky environment. The definitions of social work students regarding the psychosocial outcomes of the pandemic process due to the education they receive will be able to emphasize a more specific point. This study aims to reveal the perceptions and attitudes of the students studying in the social work departments of universities in Konya towards the epidemic and their intolerance of uncertainty. Research results indicate that individuals show avoidance behavior because they cannot fully understand the causes of the disease. On the other hand, the perception that it is impossible to prevent the disease indicates a cognitive structure that it is not possible to avoid the disease. In addition, the importance of obtaining information about the disease and its prevention during the pandemic has emerged. Uncertainty in matters such as spread, contamination, and risk related to the disease is an important finding that increases anxiety. With this research, our leading suggestions are that medical social service authorities should take an active role in the context of public health and that the correct information should be delivered to young people through new generation media tools.