Are we really all in the same boat? Emotional epidemiology of COVID-19 and psychological and social variables affecting well-being

Abstract

Background: The study examines whether demographics, minority status, impact from COVID-19, and psychological and personality variables affect subjective well-being and perceived isolation, and explores emotional and cognitive reactions to the pandemic to understand emotional epidemiology. Method: An online survey was used, with questions eliciting demographics, variables suggesting impact, reactions (emotions, coping strategies, construal, learnings and the first thing they would do once the pandemic ended), perceived threat, controllability and isolation, and standardized measures were used to assess subjective well-being, general self-efficacy and intolerance of uncertainty. Results: 364 respondents from 25 countries responded to the survey. Women and gender minorities, the 13 to 34 age-group, individuals with double minority status, those facing higher direct impact, and those previously diagnosed with mental health conditions, showed the lowest subjective well-being. Women and gender minorities and young individuals reported high isolation. Perceived threat, perceived controllability, perceived isolation, general self-efficacy and intolerance of uncertainty were found to predict subjective well-being. Results are explained using the protection motivation theory, social stress theory, and other constructs. Reactions to the pandemic were found to be varied. Conclusion: Individual characteristics as well as social group membership affect mental health response to COVID-19. Intervention and prevention programs for mental health and public campaigns need to be mindful of diversity, rather than promoting the idea that ‘we are all in the same boat.’