Psychological Well-Being of Participants in Mass Gatherings: Stress, Anxiety

Abstract

Background: Mass gatherings pose psychological challenges, affecting individuals' anxiety and stress levels. Objectives: This study examines the influence of age, gender, prior experience, social interaction preference, and pre-existing mental health conditions on psychological responses to mass gatherings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 500 participants attending various mass gatherings in 2025. Anxiety and stress were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). ANOVA, t-tests, and Pearson correlation analysis were employed to analyze demographic differences and crowd-related distress. Results: Significant differences were observed in anxiety and stress scores across demographic groups (P < 0.05). Younger individuals (18 - 30 years) and first-time attendees exhibited higher distress levels. Gender differences revealed that women experienced greater anxiety and stress than men (P < 0.01). Additionally, introverts reported higher psychological strain in crowded environments (P < 0.01). A strong correlation (R = 0.72, P < 0.001) was found between crowd density and increased psychological distress. Conclusions: The findings highlight the role of age, personality, and prior experience in shaping anxiety and stress responses in mass gatherings. Effective crowd management and psychological support strategies are essential for minimizing distress. Future research should explore longitudinal impacts and intervention strategies to improve public well-being in large-scale events.