The Relationship between Physical, Psychological, and Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Past literature has shown how aspects such as physical activity, sleep, emotion regulation and loneliness predict mental health indices. In particular, lower levels of physical activity and sleep lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression. In addition, higher levels of loneliness lead to higher levels of anxiety and depression. Most research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic found similar patterns. However, research has yet to examine the impact of all these aspects together in one model. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the relationship between physical, psychological, and social determinants of health and wellbeing. This study was conducted in 2021 (N = 1865 participants). Participants were recruited through snowball sampling techniques and the only inclusion criteria was that participants must be over the age of 18. The data was obtained across 20 countries. The survey took about 15-20 minutes to complete and was accessed through the link provided via computer or smartphone. Some of the Malaysian data collected in collaboration with SEACO was collected via telephone interview. Responses of 1865 participants were analyzed through Structural Equation Modelling. The results indicated that that acceptance moderated the interaction between loneliness and depression. However, reappraisal was not a significant moderator. In addition, preliminary results also indicated that loneliness and poor sleep predicted greater levels of anxiety and depression. Greater levels of physical activity predicted lower levels of anxiety but was not significant for depression. The results of this study will enable researchers and mental health practitioners to develop targeted interventions that will be effective in managing the overall health of a person. This research hopes to contribute to the development of a holistic intervention that covers all aspects of the biopsychosocial model in preventing mental distress as well as promoting a more well-rounded health culture. It is important to point out that data collection took place between 2020 and 2021. Thus, the relationship among these factors and its impact on health and wellbeing might have been impacted by participants experiences during the lockdown. Nonetheless, the findings provide relevant data to inform interventions to support health and wellbeing post-pandemic. Thus, making it possible to address the impact that lockdown might have on mental health and wellbeing.