The role of Perceived Control, Social Support, and Socioeconomic Position on the relationship between Stress and Attitudes towards a VUCA-world in times of COVID-19.

Abstract

Background: The world becomes increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) (Johansen, 2007). The COVID-19 pandemic likely exacerbates the experience of a VUCA-world, because the pandemic led to increased levels of uncertainty. Simultaneously, a VUCA-world can be perceived differently by people, more as a threat, but also as a challenge. This study investigated potential important factors (i.e., perceived control, social support and socioeconomic position) that influence dealing with stress, i.e., the threat vs. challenge experience, in the context of attitudes towards a VUCA-world. Methods: A total of 54,703 persons were randomly selected from the region of Utrecht and invited to fill in either a web-based or a paper questionnaire of the Public Health Monitor executed by the GGD and the municipality of Utrecht in collaboration with RIVM and CBS. 44,996 participants from 18 to 103 years old (M = 55.30, SD = 19.38), fully completed the used variables of the questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses, including moderation and mediation, were used. Results: Findings showed that people with more stress have more negative attitudes towards a VUCA-world, partly explained by perceived control. Experiencing more social support appears to be associated with less stress and more perceived control, which indirectly influences the attitude towards a VUCA-world. People with a lower socioeconomic position (SEP) experience more negative attitudes towards a VUCA-world, and less perceived control. Conclusions: By, among the first, researching VUCA from a social science perspective, it can be concluded that people differ in attitudes towards a VUCA-world. Results showed that stress, perceived control, and SEP shape whether the VUCA-world is perceived as a threat or a challenge. This research has lain the groundwork for a subsequent study in social science about a VUCA-world.