Meaning in Life and Loneliness as Mediators between COVID-19 Anxiety and Life Satisfaction in the Post-Pandemic among the General Population in Turkey: A Serial Mediation Model

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted global society, leading to negative well-being and
mental health outcomes. However, little is known about how COVID-19-related anxiety affects life
satisfaction through psychological factors. This study examined the mediating roles of meaning in
life and loneliness in the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and life satisfaction in 333 Turkish
general population (59.2% females; Mage = 33.9 ± 7.8). Participants completed measures of COVID-19
anxiety, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and loneliness. The results showed that COVID-19 anxiety
predicted meaning in life, loneliness, and life satisfaction. Meaning in life predicted loneliness
and life satisfaction, while loneliness predicted life satisfaction. Serial mediation analysis revealed
that COVID-19 anxiety predicts life satisfaction through meaning in life and loneliness, even after
controlling for age and gender. These findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying
mechanisms between COVID-19 anxiety and life satisfaction, with implications for future research
and practice.