Abstract

This study investigated personality traits, sex and age as predictors of fear of COVID-19 among single parents in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The study employed an ex-post facto design where 216 participants were randomly drawn from Makurdi metropolis area of Benue State through stratified, convenience and simple random sampling methods. Personality Traits Inventory, Fear of COVID-19 scale were used for data collection. Three hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression and independent t-test analyses. Findings showed that Personality traits significantly predicted fear of COVID-19 among single parents (R = .770 = R2 = .593 (F (5,210) = 60.294, t = 8.625, p < .05), there was a significant difference between male and female single parents on fear of COVID -19 (t (214) = 5.564, p <.01), there was a significant difference between young and old single parents on fear of COVID -19 (t (214) = 5.791, p <.01). Based on these findings, it was concluded that personality traits significantly predicted fear of Covid-19 among single parents. There is a significant difference between male and female single parents on fear of COVID -19, there was a significant difference between young and old single parents on fear of COVID -19. It is recommended that general sensitization and orientation on Covid-19 pandemic be given to the public, government through psychologist should also work on people’s personality since people with neuroticism personality traits fear this virus which may as well result into other form of anxiety. Government through it agencies should as well educate the general public on how to protect themselves while going about their daily business.