Frontiers in Psychology (Sep 2023)

Emotions, COVID-19 related thoughts and satisfaction with life during the critical period from control to relaxation

  • Chunting Diao,
  • Huiping Tan,
  • Yanhui Wen,
  • Ruiyue Zhu,
  • Xiaoyue Wu,
  • Shiqi Zhang,
  • Yongzhi Zhao,
  • Nian Liu,
  • Xuan Zhou,
  • Zhen Hu

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1211614
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14

Abstract

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IntroductionIn the context of declining mortality rates and increasing infectivity, it has become unavoidable for the majority of individuals to experience a COVID-19 infection at some point. This study aimed to investigate the psychological well-being of the general population during China’s transition period from strict control measures to relaxed policies in COVID-19 prevention and control, as well as the impact of COVID-19 related thoughts on emotion and life satisfaction during widespread infections.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample size of 1578 participants. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing positive and negative emotions, thoughts about COVID-19, and satisfaction with life. Demographic characteristics such as sex, age, and education level were controlled for in the analysis.ResultsThe findings revealed that individuals who had been infected with COVID-19 (specifically the Omicron variant BA.5.2 or BF.7) reported lower levels of positive emotions compared to those who were uninfected or had recovered from the infection. There was a significant relationship between COVID-19-related thoughts, emotions, and life satisfaction. Positive COVID-19 related thoughts were found to mediate the relationship between negative emotions and satisfaction with life.DiscussionThis study represents a comprehensive examination conducted in China, focusing on assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the general population during the critical transition period from control to relaxation. Throughout this period, the number of infections experienced fluctuations, initially rising but eventually declining over a one-month span. In such a momentous historical period, maintaining a positive perspective on COVID-19 and its management becomes paramount in enhancing the emotional well-being, life satisfaction and overall well-being of individuals.

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