Relationships Between the Life Satisfaction, Meaning in Life, Hope and COVID-19 Fear for Turkish Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak

A serial mediation model of failure mindset and suicidal ideation among undergraduate students: The impact of meaning in life and spiritual coping

The association between a failure mindset and suicidal ideation is well-documented, yet the mediating roles of existential and coping mechanisms remain underexplored. This study investigates the serial mediation effects of meaning in life and spiritual coping on the relationship between failure mindset and suicidal ideation among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 783 Chinese undergraduates (Mage = 19.92, SD = 2.29). The measures included the Failure Mindset Scale, the Meaning in Life Scale, the Spiritual Coping Scale, and the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation. Using Model 6 of Hayes' PROCESS macro, the results indicated a significant direct effect of failure mindset on suicidal ideation (β = 0.442, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the serial mediation analysis revealed that meaning in life and spiritual coping sequentially mediated the relationship between failure mindset and suicidal ideation (Effect = 0.021, 95 % CI: 0.001 to 0.019). Independently, both meaning in life (Effect = 0.054, 95 % CI: 0.027 to 0.079) and spiritual coping (Effect = 0.043, 95 % CI: 0.012 to 0.074) significantly mediated the relationship. These findings highlight the intricate relationship between cognitive processes and coping mechanisms, providing theoretical insights and practical guidance for improving university students' well-being through interventions focused on life meaning and spiritual coping strategies.

The impact of a student-led intergenerational support program on life satisfaction, loneliness, and psychological well-being of institutionalized older adults

BACKGROUND

Institutionalized older adults often face significant challenges that affect their psychological status and experience a sense of loss and social isolation. One promising approach is the implementation of intergenerational support programs, which foster interactions between older adults and younger generations.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of the Intergenerational Support Program on life satisfaction, sense of loneliness, and psychological status among institutionalized older adults.

METHOD

A quasi-experimental research design was conducted on a convenience sample of volunteer students and older adults. A total of 74 older adults were recruited and divided equally into two matched groups: study and control groups, with each group consisting of 37 institutionalized older adults.

TOOLS

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Socio-Demographic Data and presence of chronic diseases of older adults Structured Interview Schedule, Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The study group received the proposed intergenerational support program, which included intergenerational sessions for each older adult occurring once a week for approximately one and a half to two hours over three months, totaling 12 sessions. The Chi test was used to test the association between two qualitative variables or to detect differences between two or more proportions.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 72.64 ± 7.52 years for the study group and 71.30 ± 8.41 years for the control group. Statistically significant differences were found between pre and post-intervention measurements in the study group regarding life satisfaction, sense of loneliness, depression, and anxiety (p = 0.000). In contrast, no statistically significant differences were found between pre and post-intervention measurements in the control group regarding life satisfaction (p = 0.212), sense of loneliness (p = 0.765), depression (p = 0.849) , and anxiety (p = 0.1068).

CONCLUSION

The proposed intergenerational support program significantly affects life satisfaction, feelings of loneliness, and psychological status.

IMPLICATIONS

Our findings foster strong relationships between students and older adults, emphasizing the importance of close and compatible interactions, which can build meaningful intergenerational bonds and offer emotional support and companionship to older adults.

The Role of Life Satisfaction and Optimism for Successful Aging in Mid and Late Life

Guided by the Rowe and Kahn model, the current study examined the longitudinal association of objective and subjective components of successful aging (SA) with individuals' life satisfaction and level of optimism across adulthood aiming to validate the related scanty existing research. Data were from waves 2 and 3 (2004-14) of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Using structural equation modeling, we examined (N = 2,040) whether subjective life satisfaction (wave 2) has any effect on a composite measure of SA (wave 3) while controlling for baseline sociodemographic and health factors. We also examined the mediation effects of optimism in the above associations. Findings revealed that life satisfaction has a significant positive effect on SA; also, this effect is bidirectional. Further, high optimism positively mediated the bidirectional association between life satisfaction and SA. This study identified life satisfaction and optimism as having potentially positive impacts on achieving SA in middle-aged and older adults.

Narcissism, Social Media Addiction, Self-Esteem, and Haxeco Traits: Exploring Influences on Life Satisfaction Among Generation Z

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the influence of narcissism on self-esteem and social media addiction. In addition, it highlights the consequences of social media addiction through internal factors such as self-esteem and external factors such as life satisfaction. It also examined the regulatory role of personality traits in this context.

Participants and Methods

Conducted in Ho Chi Minh City, it surveyed 426 Generation Z individuals aged 13-26 spending over two hours daily on social media, using convenience sampling. Data analysis and reliability assessment were done with SPSS 29, and SmartPLS 4 evaluated the linear structural model.

Results

The study has demonstrated that narcissism among Generation Z significantly influences life satisfaction. The results indicate that narcissism plays a crucial role in determining the self-esteem of Generation Z. Furthermore, individuals exhibit varying levels of narcissism, which are positively related to various online social activities. Therefore, high levels of narcissism are likely to lead to social media addiction. Those who exhibit symptoms of social media addiction tend to have lower self-esteem because they perceive social media as a safe space where they can express themselves. However, each individual possesses unique personality traits, and this study has proven that specific personality traits such as Agreeableness and Openness impact the life satisfaction of Generation Z.

Conclusion

The study investigated how narcissism, self-esteem, and social media addiction affect life satisfaction among Generation Z, exploring their complex interplay and mental health implications. It emphasized Gen Z's widespread social media engagement and addiction risks, impacting mental health and emotional satisfaction. Additionally, it highlighted the influence of personality traits on life satisfaction. The examination scrutinized the intricate relationship between self-esteem and narcissism, stressing its nuances, especially among Generation Z.

Bimodality in life satisfaction: The role of social support in individuals with long COVID

BACKGROUND

Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, poses substantial challenges to individuals' physical and mental health, yet its impact on life satisfaction remains underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate variations in life satisfaction among individuals with Long COVID and identify associated predictors using a mixture model approach.

METHODS

Participants (N = 212) were recruited via Prolific and completed surveys assessing life satisfaction, stress, resilience, social support, and hope. A mixture model analysis categorized participants into two clusters based on the relationship between life satisfaction and contributing factors (e.g., social support).

RESULTS

Cluster 1 (n = 153) exhibited lower life satisfaction scores, while Cluster 2 (n = 59) reported higher scores. Social support emerged as a significant predictor of life satisfaction in Cluster 2 (p < .001), with correlations indicating its positive association with life satisfaction and negative association with stress levels. However, social support was not significantly associated with life satisfaction in Cluster 1.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlighted the heterogeneous nature of life satisfaction among individuals with Long COVID. Social support, particularly from family and friends, was identified as a critical factor influencing well-being outcomes. Tailored interventions focusing on enhancing social support networks could mitigate the adverse impacts of Long COVID and improve overall quality of life for individuals with Long COVID.

Dispositional mindfulness and psychological well-being: investigating the mediating role of meaning in life

Introduction

Mindfulness has been widely recognized for its positive impact on various aspects of psychological well-being. Prior research has investigated the role of mindfulness in enhancing hope and life satisfaction as separate constructs. However, limited attention has been given to the simultaneous influence of mindfulness on both hope and life satisfaction and the underlying mechanisms that may explain these relationships. This study examines the role of dispositional mindfulness in fostering hope and life satisfaction concurrently and explores the potential mediating role of meaning in life in this relationship.

Methods

A total of 1,766 Chinese college students from Shandong Xiehe University participated in the study. Participants completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) to assess dispositional mindfulness, the Adult Hope Scale (AHS) to measure hope, the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) to evaluate life satisfaction, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) to assess their perceived meaning in life. Statistical analyses, including mediation analysis, were conducted to explore the relationships among these variables.

Results

The findings indicated that meaning in life partially mediated the relationship between dispositional mindfulness and both hope and life satisfaction. Specifically, higher levels of dispositional mindfulness were associated with greater hope and life satisfaction, and this relationship was partially explained by increased perceptions of meaning in life.

Discussion

These results underscore the critical role of meaning in life as a mediator in the positive effects of mindfulness on psychological well-being. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing mindfulness may benefit from incorporating strategies to foster meaning in life, thereby amplifying their impact on hope and life satisfaction. This study advances our understanding of the mechanisms linking mindfulness to key indicators of psychological well-being and highlights the integrative role of meaning in life in these processes.

Well-Being and Dispositional Hope in a Sample of Portuguese Citizens: The Mediating Role of Mental Health

In our pursuit of a fulfilling and contented life, the study of well-being has emerged as a fundamental field of research. Higher levels of well-being are associated with better mental health outcomes. Individuals with better mental health might possess the personal resources necessary to set and pursue meaningful goals, maintain positive expectations, and overcome adversities. We aim to explore the positive relationship between well-being (hedonic, psychological, and social) and dispositional hope. We suggest that mental health acts as a mediator in this relationship, since improved mental health can create a conducive environment for the development and maintenance of dispositional hope. Data were collected using an e-survey through social media during the last quarter of 2022. The hypothesis of this study was tested using mediation analysis. The sample was composed of 471 participants (85.4% female) with a mean age of 47.72 ± 11.86 years. Participants were mainly workers (88.6%), followed by pensioners (6.8%), university students (2.5%), and unemployed (2.1%). Results revealed that well-being was positively and significantly associated with dispositional hope. Additionally, well-being presented a significant and positive relationship with mental health, which, in turn, also presented a significant and positive relationship with dispositional hope. Finally, using the Hayes process macro for SPSS, we found that mental health mediates the relationship between well-being and dispositional hope. Our findings reinforce the conceptual frameworks that consider well-being and mental health as key contributors to a resilient and optimistic mindset. Interventions that aim to cultivate positive affect, facilitate personal growth, and foster supportive social environments might help improve mental health outcomes.

Psychological Factors Associated with General Quality of Life in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study on a Multicultural Sample of Romanian Medical Students

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the general quality of life (GQOL) of a large number of individuals, including those in the academic environment. This study investigated GQOL in a sample of 613 Romanian medicine students (81.57% were female; mean age = 21.40 ± 1.749 years) in relation to their Big Five personality characteristics, Perceived Stress and Fear of COVID-19. The study was conducted between June 2020 and March 2022. These variables were investigated with the Big Five Inventory-2: Extra-Short Form, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), the Perceived Stress Scale-10 and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical analysis included hierarchical linear regression and t-tests. The results indicated a significant direct relationship between GQOL and the personality traits of Conscientiousness, Extraversion and Agreeableness. However, a significant inverse relationship was observed between GQOL and Perceived Stress and Neuroticism. Fear of COVID-19 was significantly higher in women, while no other socio-demographic variables were associated with GQOL. A total of 61.7% of the studied population returned to their original residency during the pandemic years. These results could be important for better understanding the vulnerability to significant epidemiological events in academic populations and for planning adequate preventive or interventional measures.

The influence mechanism underlying meaning in life on career adaptability among college students: a chain intermediary model

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has posed a huge challenge to the career situation of college students. This study aimed to understand the mechanism underlying meaning in life on career adaptability among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A quantitative method was adopted. In total, 1,182 college students were surveyed using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, the Adult General Hope Scale, and the Career Adapt-Abilities Scale.

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between meaning in life, positive coping styles, hope, and career adaptability. Positive coping styles and hope play a separate mediating role and a chain mediating role.

Discussion

The findings of this study emphasize the importance of meaning in life among college students to improve their career adaptability. Furthermore, positive coping styles and increased levels of hope contribute to the development of career adaptability among college students.

Predictive Power of Self-Efficacy on the Fear of Childbirth in Pregnant Women: Underlying Mechanisms of Social Support as a Mediator and the COVID-19 Fear as a Moderator

BACKGROUND

Fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common problem associated with psycho-social factors in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the mediator of social support and the moderator role of fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC in pregnant women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 422 pregnant women registered in 18 family health centers. Data were collected with the introductory information form, the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire-A, the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Fear of COVID19 Scale. The SPSS 22 package program and Hayes's process macro 3.2 were used in the analysis of the data.

RESULTS

Findings showed that 19.9% of the pregnant women experienced severe FOC. Self-efficacy and social support negatively predicted FOC, while fear of COVID-19 predicted it positively. Perceived social support moderately mediated the relationship between FOC and self-efficacy. Fear of COVID-19 was found to be a marginally effective moderator in the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC. This indicates that as self-efficacy increases in pregnant women with low fear of COVID-19, the FOC is experienced less.

CONCLUSION

In the relationship between self-efficacy and FOC, social support is a key factor in reducing FOC. To reduce the FOC, the social support of pregnant women should be strengthened, and the fear associated with acute crisis periods such as pandemics should be reduced with some preventive measures.

Subjective well-being among PhD students in mainland China: the roles of psychological capital and academic engagement

The mental well-being of PhD students is a major concern in higher education. However, very few studies have investigated the influencing factors of PhD students' subjective well-being (SWB) - an important indicator of mental well-being. Even no study on the influencing factors of PhD students' SWB has been undertaken in mainland China. Based on job demands-resources theory, the present study pioneers the investigation of the relationship between PhD students' psychological capital (PsyCap; comprising self-efficacy, hope, resilience, and optimism) and SWB (comprising positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction) in mainland China. It further examined the mediating role of academic engagement (comprising vigor, dedication, and absorption) in this relationship. PhD students (n = 376) from two comprehensive universities in Jiangsu province responded to an online survey. The results showed that (1) self-efficacy was positively associated with life satisfaction, hope was positively associated with positive affect, optimism was significantly associated with all three dimensions of SWB, but resilience was not significantly associated with any of the three SWB dimensions; and (2) dedication mediated the relationship between hope and life satisfaction and that between optimism and negative affect and life satisfaction, but vigor and absorption did not mediate any of the PsyCap-SWB relationships. Limitations and practical implications of this study are discussed.

Determinants of Residential Satisfaction During the Initial Stage of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Xiangyang City, China

Objectives: To explore the impacts of psychological character strengths, self-efficacy, and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases on residential satisfaction at the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. Methods: To achieve the study aim, we collected data from 281 observations from Xiangyang City, China, via an online survey. Data were analyzed using linear regression. Results: Character strengths and the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases significantly impacted residential satisfaction. While self-efficacy did not directly impact residential satisfaction, it moderated the relationship between the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and residential satisfaction. The control variables of social trust and shared value positively impacted residential satisfaction, and their influence on residential satisfaction was higher than that of character strengths. The sociodemographic variables of marriage, age, educational attainment, and housing area per capita also impacted residential satisfaction significantly. However, strong ties and weak ties became insignificant variables due to social distancing strategies. Conclusion: The study findings offer insights for local governments to enhance residential satisfaction in the community to avoid social panic during unpredictable threats or future pandemics.

COVID-19, people with disabilities, and the Italian government recovery: investigating the impact and promoting psychological resources to prevent future emergencies

Introduction

Given its profound and transversal impact, the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a deep point of division in how people make sense of the world and their lives. The consequences of this event were remarkable, especially for populations already facing vulnerability, exclusion, and discrimination. In Italy, over 3 million people (5.2% of the entire population) have a disability due to health issues or severe limitations that prevent them from performing daily activities. Although the COVID-19 health emergency aggravated and amplified these problems, research and studies investigating the incidence of psychological distress and the role of psychological resources for people with disabilities in the aftermath of the pandemic are still to be implemented. For these reasons, the Department of Psychology conducted a study on behalf of the Italian Government to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the social, psychological, and economic wellbeing of Italians with disabilities.

Methods

The aim was to assess the consequences of the pandemic on this population, especially the impacts related to the lockdowns and preventive measures, and to evaluate the protective role that could be played by psychological resources such as resilience, future orientation, and career adaptability in a Life Design perspective. With the collaboration of local, regional, and national associations for people with disability, an anonymous, online self-report questionnaire was distributed to 403 persons with disabilities in Italy.

Results

Results showed a strong relationship between the levels of psychological resources and life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discussion

In line with studies in international literature regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with disabilities, this research highlights the extension of this period's impacts on this population's psychological wellbeing. Moreover, this study amplifies the urgent call for action and research in promoting Life Design psychological resources, given their positive and protective role in preserving and increasing people's wellbeing.

The mediating role of anxiety and depression in the relationship between coping styles and life satisfaction among frontline medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of anxiety and depression in the relationship between coping styles and life satisfaction among frontline medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five hundred and fourteen frontline medical workers from Zunyi were recruited to complete questionnaires, including the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ). SPSS 24.0 was used to measure the characteristics of anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, and coping styles. We found that the prevalence rates of anxiety and depression among study participants were 22.57% and 18.29%, respectively. Besides, anxiety was positively correlated with depression; anxiety and depression were positively correlated with passive coping style but negatively correlated with life satisfaction and active coping style; life satisfaction was positively correlated with active coping style and negatively correlated with passive coping style (all p < 0.001). Moreover, anxiety and depression mediated the relationship between coping styles and life satisfaction. Anxiety accounted for 18.6% of the effect of active coping style and 35.48% of the effect of passive coping style on life satisfaction. Depression accounted for 48.84% of the effect of active coping style and 67.74% of the effect of passive coping style on life satisfaction. The present study provides novel insights into the effect of subclinical anxiety and depression on frontline medical workers in the pandemic area. Anxiety and depression yielded a mediating effect on the relationship between coping styles and life satisfaction.

Gender differences in the relationships between meaning in life, mental health status and digital media use during Covid-19

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on individuals' social lives, mental health status, and meaning in life (MIL). Globally, the use of different types of digital media has become a proxy for pre-COVID social lives for many people. This study investigated gender differences in the relationship between use of digital media, mental health status and MIL, during COVID-19 in Hong Kong.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed 1,488 young people recruited via city-wide random sampling in 2021. Respondents completed a phone survey on digital media use, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2), COVID-19 impact, meaning in life, and demographics. Gender differences in MIL were tested with an independent sample t-test. Gender-specific multiple linear regression models tested associations between MIL and explanatory variables of age, educational level, history of diagnosis, digital media use, and mental health status.

RESULTS

There was a significant gender difference in MIL (males (M = 12.90, SD = 4.12); females (M = 13.45, SD = 3.96); t (1485) = -2.656, p = .008). For males, all variables significantly associated to MIL (F (9, 759) = 15.731, p < .000, R2 = .157). However, for females, while the overall model for MIL was significant (F (9, 709) = 12.105, p < .001, R2 = .133), the only significant associated variable was mental health status.

CONCLUSION

Females had significantly better MIL under COVID-19 than males. Digital media use contributed to MIL in males but not females, and there were gender-specific associated factors of MIL.

Life satisfaction and its influencing factors for bedridden patients with stroke

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the life satisfaction of bedridden patients with stroke and explore its relationship with demographic, social, and medical factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in two steps. The Longshi scale was used to select the study population and assess patients' ability to perform activities of daily living. Subsequently, a multidimensional questionnaire was used to obtain the participants' information and evaluate their level of life satisfaction. The chi-squared test and binary logistic regression methods were employed to analyze the factors influencing the life satisfaction of bedridden patients with stroke.

RESULTS

A total of 3,639 bedridden patients with stroke were included in this study, of them, only 27.2% reported satisfaction with their current lives. Factors associated with higher life satisfaction include female sex, older age, and primary school education or lower (P<0.05). Patients who had experienced a single stroke episode had chronic diseases, and rated their health as good were more satisfied with their lives than those who did not. The results of the binary logistic regression confirmed that age, education, religion, household income, cohabitation, social participation, number of chronic diseases, self-rated health status, and disability level significantly influenced the life satisfaction of bedridden patients with stroke (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that the overall life satisfaction of bedridden patients with stroke was low, with several factors influencing their life satisfaction. Therefore, effective measures should be implemented to improve life satisfaction and quality of life.

Well-being and internal resources during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to meaning in life and existential anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic represents an event that placed humanity in a context where confrontation with uncertainty, isolation, life threats, and significant changes in one's life were on a scale that exceeded by far any previous individual or community crises. The interest of the present research was to investigate the relationship between meaning in life (MiL) and existential anxiety (EA) with personal internal resources such as creativity, playfulness, well-being, and personal meaning. A total of 451 participants from 48 countries (mean age 34.93 years, standard deviation 12.62, 31.9% men, 67.4% women) were questioned via online questionnaires between May and June 2020. Cluster analysis was performed on the meaning in life and existential anxiety that generated four categories of persons: Reactive, Superficial, Preoccupied, and Dedicated. Well-being and internal resources were associated mostly with the Dedicated type and less with the Reactive one. Arguments relying on the existential positive psychology suffering model and the hostile world scenario are presented to support the results and plead for interventions that elicit meaning, stimulate creativity, and guide people in finding purpose in order to ultimately promote psychological and mental health.

Crisis Experience and Purpose in Life in Men and Women: The Mediating Effect of Gratitude and Fear of COVID-19

AIM

This study investigated whether gratitude and fear of COVID-19 mediated the relationship between crisis experience during the pandemic and purpose in life in men and women.

METHODS

Six hundred and five participants aged between 18 and 60 years (M = 25.6; SD = 8.39) completed the Gratitude, Resentment, and Appreciation Scale-Short Form (GRAT-S), Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and Purpose in Life Test (PIL). In addition, the respondents were questioned about life crises during the previous six months (e.g., the death of a loved one or illness).

RESULTS

Men and women differed in their endorsement of gratitude or fear of COVID-19 as a mediator. Women's experiences of the crisis related both directly and indirectly to purpose in life, with gratitude and fear of COVID-19 mediating this relationship. In men, only the indirect path, from crisis experience, through gratitude, to purpose in life, turned out to be significant.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that coping styles differ in men and women and, as a consequence, that crisis interventions need to take gender into account.

Resilience, Coping, and the Covid-19 Pandemic Across the Globe - an Update: What Have we Learned?

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic is a mass traumatic event that has universally and indiscriminately negatively affected the world. The adverse consequences of the pandemic have globally impacted psychological health and well-being via increased stressors, such as uncertainty, health anxieties, and financial instability. During the initial months of the pandemic, we (Polizzi et al., 2020) identified coping strategies that may be well-suited to address the sequelae of the pandemic. These strategies included behavioral activation, acceptance-based coping, mindfulness practice, and loving-kindness meditation. We argued that these coping skills may foster resilience and recovery during the pandemic by generating a sense of social connection, encouraging meaning-making, and enhancing feelings of control amid uncertainty. Three years later, we update our initial suggestions by providing a narrative review that considers empirical evidence collected during the pandemic to support the utility of the previously identified coping strategies as well as additional strategies. We also discuss cross-cultural similarities and differences among these strategies and how research supports their application across diverse countries and groups. Finally, we conclude by synthesizing the literature within a regulatory flexibility framework that emphasizes flexible skill implementation with respect to sensitivity to context, coping repertoires, and feedback from the environment.

Exploring the Factors Creating Happiness with Nursing Staff: The Mediating Effect of Life Satisfaction

Objectives: In this study, we investigate the relationships among personal well-being, self-esteem, supervisor support, life satisfaction, and happiness in a sample of nurses. In this study, we also investigate the mediating role of life satisfaction. Methods: Present research was quantitative in nature and the research design was cross-sectional. Data were collected from a convenience sample of nurses working in hospitals by using a self-administered survey. We used partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for the assessment of statistical significance of the proposed model. Results: We found a statistically significant and positive relationship between personal well-being, life satisfaction, and happiness. Similarly, self-esteem and supervisor support positively affected life satisfaction. Conclusion: Our research adds to the present literature on the factors that affect happiness among nurses. The study also adds to the current literature on PLS-SEM in terms of the assessment of mediation and direct relationships. Our findings are helpful for decision-makers in the health sector in developing happiness and life satisfaction among nurses. These results are also valuable for academicians for their future studies.

Art-of-Living Intervention Imparted Through a Blended Learning Approach to Nurture Positivity Among Pakistan's University Students During COVID-19: A Growth Curve Analysis

Art-of-living allows individuals to live a contemplative, mindful, and active life to attain well-being. This study demonstrates the development and implementation of an art-of-living training intervention to nurture positivity among Pakistan's university students during COVID-19. To ensure the efficacy of teaching and learning during the second wave of the pandemic, the intervention was imparted through a blended learning approach comprising two modes: (1) online learning and (2) offline personal and collaborative learning. This approach was based on the emotionalized learning experiences (ELE) format to make learning more engaging, permanent, and gratifying. The study comprised 243 students randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 122) and a wait-list control group (n = 121). Growth curve analysis indicated that positivity together with the components of art-of-living-self-efficacy, savoring, social contacts, physical care, and meaning-and overall art-of-living increased at a greater rate in the experimental group than in the control group from pretest to posttest and from posttest to follow-up measurement. The analysis provided an all-encompassing view of how positivity developed in the two groups over time. There were significant variations in participants' initial status (intercepts) and growth trajectories (slopes). The influence of participants' initial positivity scores suggested that students with high initial positivity scores had a slower increase in linear growth, whereas those with low initial positivity scores had a faster increase in linear growth over time. The success of the intervention may be attributed to the dimensions of ELE-embodied in the two modes-and fidelity to intervention for effectively implementing the blended learning approach.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-023-00664-0.

Structural equation model of coping and life satisfaction of community-dwelling older people during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 put older individuals at high risk for morbidity and mortality, isolation, reduced coping, and lower satisfaction with life. Many older adults experienced social isolation, fear, and anxiety. We hypothesized that successful coping with these stressors would maintain or improve satisfaction with life, a crucial psychological outcome during the pandemic. Our study investigated relationships between older people's coping and life satisfaction during the pandemic and their optimism, sense of mastery, closeness with spouse, family, and friends, and vulnerabilities from frailty, comorbid diseases, memory problems, and dependencies in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).

METHODS

The study was based on a special COVID-19 sample of 1351 community-dwelling older adults who participated in the 2020 Health and Retirement Survey. A comprehensive structural equation modeling was used to test direct and indirect effects, with life satisfaction as the main outcome and coping as a mediator between the other variables and coping.

RESULTS

Most survey respondents were female and between the ages of 65-74 years. They averaged 1.7 chronic conditions, one in seven was frail, about one-third rated their memory as fair or poor, and about one in seven reported one or more difficulties in IADL. As hypothesized-older people with increased sense of mastery and optimism were better able to cope and had greater life satisfaction. In addition, close relationships with friends and with other family members besides the spouse/partner or children contributed to more successful coping, while the interpersonal closeness of all types contributed directly to greater life satisfaction. Finally, older people with more IADL limitations reported greater difficulty coping and lower life satisfaction, and those older people who were frail or had multiple comorbid diseases reported lower life satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimism, sense of mastery and closeness with family/friends promotes coping and life satisfaction, whereas frailty and comorbidities make coping more challenging and lead to lower life satisfaction particularly during a pandemic. Our study improves on prior research because of its nationally representative sample and formal specification and testing of a comprehensive theoretical framework.

An everlasting love: The relationship of happiness and meaning

Happiness is of great importance to people. Although happiness constitutes a central theme in psychology, the absence of a unifying theory and inconsistent terminology undermine scientific progress. The present article goes beyond attempting to define “types of happiness” or its contributing factors and addresses the role of happiness (i.e., embodied positive emotional patterns) as a function of a dynamic multisystem (i.e., an individual) and its relationship to meaning (i.e., ongoing bidirectional cognitive processes). As a dynamic multisystem, a person strives for stability as they move in physical space, and during their development, across time (i.e., dynamic balance). A primary requirement for dynamic balance is maintaining consistency by connecting the cognitive system to behavior. In psychological terms, such a connection is facilitated by meaning. The model suggests that happiness serves as a marker of a person’s consistency and meaningful interpretations of their lived experience. The model points to a new research direction.

Mind-Body Practice and Family Caregivers' Subjective Well-Being: Findings From the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study

Objectives: Informal caregiving has been associated with higher stress and lower levels of subjective well-being. Mind-body practices including yoga, tai chi, and Pilates also incorporate stress reducing activities. The current study aimed to examine the association between mind-body practice and subjective well-being among informal family caregivers. Methods: A sample of informal caregivers were identified in the Midlife in the United States study (N = 506, M ± SD_age = 56 ± 11, 67% women). We coded mind-body practice into three categories, including regular practice (participating in one or more of them "a lot" or "often"), irregular (participating "sometimes" and "rarely") and no practice ("never"). Subjective well-being was measured using the 5-item global life satisfaction scale and the 9-item mindfulness scale. We used multiple linear regression models to examine associations between mind-body practice and caregivers' subjective well-being, controlling for covariates of sociodemographic factors, health, functional status, and caregiving characteristics. Results: Regular practice was associated with both better mindfulness-related well-being (b = 2.26, p < .05) and better life satisfaction (b = 0.43, p < .05), after controlling for covariates. Discussion: Future research should examine whether there is a selection effect of caregivers with higher well-being being more likely to choose these activities, and/or if mind-body practices are effective non-pharmacological interventions to improve family caregivers' quality of life.

Sense of hope affects secondary school students' mental health: A moderated mediation model

Introduction

The study assesses the moderated mediation effect of sense of hope on the mental health of secondary school students.

Methods

The Adult Dispositional Hope Scale (ADHS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Symptom Check List 90 (SCL-90) were used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 1776 secondary school students.

Results

The results showed that total mental health scores of secondary school students were significantly negatively correlated with sense of hope and psychological resilience; sense of hope was significantly positively correlated with psychological resilience; sense of hope significantly and positively predicted the level of mental health of secondary school students, and psychological resilience played a mediating role in it; gender plays a moderating role in the relationship between sense of hope and psychological resilience.

Discussion

The study further revealed the mechanism of the effect of sense of hope on secondary school students' mental health, and provided suggestions for cultivating positive psychological qualities and promoting the mental health development of secondary school students.

Family functioning and life satisfaction among female university students during COVID-19 outbreak: the mediating role of hope and resilience

BACKGROUND

Literature review has showed that family functioning is positively associated with satisfaction with life. However, the internal mechanisms of this relationship are still unclear, especially during the COVID-19. This study examined the mediating role of hope and resilience in the association between family functioning and life satisfaction of female university students in COVID-19 pandemics.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online study was done throughout the fifth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Iran. A total of 480 female students were recruited from Lorestan University. Data was collected by the State Hope Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Family APGAR Index, and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Data analysis were based on structural equation modeling.

RESULTS

Family functioning exerted a significant direct effect on hope, on resilience and on life satisfaction. Also, according to the findings, hope and resilience pose a significant mediating effect in the association between family functioning and life satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

This study provides a better perspective regarding the protective role of hope, family functioning, and resilience on life satisfaction among female university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training of such skills is needed to increase life satisfaction in female university students.

Associations between Drinking Behaviors and Meaning in Life: Evidence from Primary Care Professionals in China

(1) Background: Although the associations between drinking behaviors and emotional problems have been supported in several previous studies, the associations between drinking behaviors and meaning in life have not been explored until now. We aimed to test the associations between drinking behaviors and meaning in life among primary care professionals, after controlling for depression. (2) Methods: In the current study, we collected 1453 valid questionnaires based on a cross-sectional design. Meaning in life, drinking behaviors, physical diseases, depression, work-related variables, and some other social-demographic variables were evaluated. (3) Results: The results support that after controlling for depression, regular milk drinking (β = 1.387, p = 0.026), and regular juice drinking (β = 2.316, p = 0.030) were associated with higher meaning in life, while regular water drinking (β = −1.448, p = 0.019) was negatively associated with meaning in life. In addition to this, the results showed that the older age (β = 0.098, p = 0.001), preventive medicine majors (β = 4.281, p = 0.013), working fewer days per week (β = −0.942, p = 0.004), licensed (assistant) technician qualification (β = 2.921, p = 0.036), and no depression (β = −0.203, p < 0.001) were positively associated with meaning in life. (4) Conclusion: This study supported the association between drinking behaviors and meaning in life, even after controlling depression. These findings imply that we can further explore this association and its mechanisms in future studies.

The Relationship between the Need for Closure and Coronavirus Fear: The Mediating Effect of Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories about COVID-19

This study investigated the relationship between fear of the coronavirus, belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and dimensions of the need for cognitive closure. As there is evidence of associations between these variables, we hypothesized that the relationship between the need for closure dimensions and coronavirus fear may be mediated by conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19. We analyzed the results from 380 individuals who completed online versions of three scales: the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, a short version of the Need for Closure Scale, and-designed for this study-the Conspiracy Theories about the Coronavirus Scale. The results showed that belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories fully mediated the relationship between the fear of the coronavirus and avoidance of ambiguity, as well as closed-mindedness. The findings provided evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories may play a significant role in reducing the level of coronavirus fear in people with high levels of these traits. In addition, a partial mediation between the fear of the coronavirus and the need for predictability was found. The limitations and implications of the research are discussed.

The fear of COVID-19 and flourishing: the mediating role of search for meaning and presence of meaning

Past researches have found that sense of control and meaning in life can act as a protective factor against fear of COVID-19 pandemic. The current study examined whether the search for meaning and the presence of meaning could mediate the link between fear of COVID-19 and flourishing. A total of 312 Iranians who were identified by snowball sampling were recruited as the subjects of the cross-sectional study. The participants gave their consent to complete the Meaning in Life Scale, Flourishing Scale, and Fear of COVID-19 Scale. The findings demonstrated that fear of COVID-19 had a significant direct effect on flourishing. The presence meaning was positively and significantly connected with flourishing and the search for meaning. Both the search for - and the presence - of meaning were negatively and significantly linked with fear of COVID-19. Mediation analysis demonstrated that a presence of meaning is a protective factor for flourishing, but the search for meaning can be detrimental to flourishing. As a result, it may be worthwhile to conduct longitudinal research to track how the effects of the presence of meaning and the search for meaning vary over time. The study calls on mental health providers to take into account how the presence of meaning might lessen the negative impacts of fear in crisis situations and promote flourishing.

Self-Compassion and Authentic-Durable Happiness During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Meaning of Life and the Moderating Role of COVID-19 Burnout

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS

Self-compassion is important for authentic-durable happiness, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To better understand the potential complexity of effects, this study sought to explore (a) the mediating role of meaning of life in the association between self-compassion and authentic-durable happiness and (b) the moderating role of COVID-19 burnout in the relationship between self-compassion and meaning of life.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey study in China from February 1 to 14, 2021. Online survey questionnaire technique and convenience sampling method were used for data collection. Participants anonymously completed the measures of self-compassion scale short form, COVID-19 burnout scale, meaning in life questionnaire, and subjective authentic-durable happiness scale. The data were examined utilizing Pearson's r correlations and moderated mediation analysis.

RESULTS

This study included 1165 Chinese college students (Mage = 19.68 years, SD = 1.37). Self-compassion (M = 3.39, SD = 0.49) was significantly positively associated with authentic-durable happiness (M = 3.82, SD = 0.66) (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), and mediation analyses indicated that meaning of life (M = 4.65, SD = 0.86) partially mediated this association (indirect effect = 0.103, SE = 0.016, 95% CI = [0.073, 0.135]). Moderated mediation analysis further revealed that COVID-19 burnout (M = 1.87, SD = 0.72) buffered the relation between self-compassion and meaning of life (β = -0.05, p < 0.033).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Findings of this study shed light on a correlation between self-compassion and authentic-durable happiness. In addition, this study underlines the importance of intervening in COVID-19 burnout among college students and enhancing the meaning of life in order to promote and safeguard authentic-durable happiness in the setting of COVID-19.

Cross-national measurement invariance of the Purpose in Life Test in seven Latin American countries

The Purpose in Life Test (PIL) is a measure of purpose in life widely used in many cultures and countries; however, cross-cultural assessments are scarce. The present study aimed to evaluate the cross-cultural measurement invariance of the PIL in the general population of seven Latin American countries (Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay). A total of 4306 people participated, selected by non-probabilistic convenience sampling, where Uruguay has the highest mean age (M = 41.8; SD = 16.6 years); while Ecuador has the lowest mean age (M = 24.6; SD = 7.8 years). Furthermore, in each country, there is a higher proportion of women (>60%) than men (<40%). Using Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the factorial structure does not show evidence of invariance among the included countries. However, based on the Multi-Group Factor Analysis Alignment, there is evidence that a three-dimensional structure of the PIL (Meaning of existence, Freedom to make meaning in daily life and Will to find meaning in the face of future challenges) is the same in the participating countries. Results based on item response theory indicate that most PIL items can significantly differentiate responses according to the level of life purpose. In addition, people with low life purpose will tend to choose the lower response alternatives on the PIL; while people with higher life purpose will choose higher response alternatives. The findings indicate that the PIL has the potential to increase knowledge about how people conceive and experience their purpose in life in different countries.

Hope and life satisfaction among Chinese shadow education tutors: The mediating roles of positive coping and perceived social support

Previous studies of the relationship between hope and life satisfaction left the underlying mechanism of how hope predicts life satisfaction unexplored to scholars. This study thus investigates the two potential mediators in the relationship between hope and life satisfaction among a sample of Chinese shadow education institution (SEI) tutors who may be under immense professional development pressure from a cross-sectional approach. The main body of the study consists of an online survey in which 221 SEI tutors reported their hope, positive coping, perceived social support, and life satisfaction. The survey results were analyzed using mediation and moderation analysis via SPSS 23.0. The results indicated that positive coping improved the relationship between hope and life satisfaction, supporting the hypothesis regarding the serial mediating effect of positive coping and perceived social support. In other words, tutors with a high level of hope tend to adopt positive coping strategies, thus will receive more social support and improve life satisfaction. Our findings revealed the independent and accumulative mediating effects of positive coping and perceived social support on the relationship between hope and life satisfaction, and had implications for the psychological intervention of SEI tutors who are currently facing enormous industry pressure.

Cross-cultural measurement invariance of the purpose in life test - Short form (PIL-SF) in seven Latin American countries

The aim was to test the cross-cultural measurement invariance of the PIL-SF in a sample of people from seven Latin American countries. Additionally, the characteristics of the PIL-SF items were evaluated and to assess the relationship between purpose in life, as measured by the PIL-SF, and fear of COVID-19. A total of 4306 people from seven Latin American countries participated in the study. The results indicated that the PIL-SF is invariant in the seven participating countries and, therefore, there is evidence that the items reflect the purpose of life in the same way in all countries. This allows comparisons of purpose in life between countries that are free of bias, reflecting the true differences in how countries respond to items. From IRT, the discrimination parameters are adequate and indicate that the items cover a wide range of the purpose in life construct. The difficulty parameters are adequate and increase monotonically. This indicates that people would need a higher level of purpose in life to respond to the higher response categories. Thus, the PIL-SF items would be useful in determining people with a relatively high degree of purpose in life. Identifying people with different levels of purpose in life would allow them to be part of intervention programs, either to support those with low levels or to maintain and reinforce their purpose in life. The evidence of cross-country measurement invariance of the PIL-SF provides a measure to be used in cross-cultural studies about the meaning of life.

The Relationship Between Meaning in Life and Health Behaviors in Adults Aged 55 Years and Over During the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Mediating Role of Risk Perception and the Moderating Role of Powerful Others Health Locus of Control

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has impacted many people's meaning in life and health behaviors. This study aimed to verify the relationship among meaning in life (MIL), epidemic risk perception, health locus of control (HLC), and preventive health behaviors among older adults after the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic.

METHOD

In this longitudinal study, 164 participants aged 55 years and above completed the following measures at time 1 (February 19, 2021) and one month later at time 2 (March 19, 2021): Meaning in Life in the Epidemic Questionnaire, Epidemic Risk Perception Questionnaire, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, and Health Behaviors Before and After the Epidemic Survey. Hayes' SPSS Process Macro was used to analyze the mediating effect of epidemic risk perception (model 4) and the moderating role of powerful others HLC in the mediation model (model 14).

RESULTS

The results showed that after controlling for gender, age, education level, and health behaviors at the baseline, risk perception had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between MIL and preventive health behaviors (β = .02, SE = .01, 95% CI [.00, .04]). In addition, powerful others HLC had a moderating effect on the second half of the mediating effect (β = .02, p = .02, 95% CI [.00, .03]). Specifically, compared to the older adults with low powerful others HLC, the risk perception of older adults with high powerful others HLC increased preventive health behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Practitioners should adequately cultivate older adults' risk awareness and reinforce the importance of advice from doctors and professionals, thereby effectively enhancing the preventive health behaviors of older adults in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

University students' mental well-being during COVID-19 pandemic: The mediating role of resilience between meaning in life and mental well-being

The current study aims to examine (a) the mental well-being of university students, who were taking online classes, and (b) and test whether resilience would mediate the relationship between meaning in life and mental well-being. The sample of 302 university students (Mage = 20.25 years; 36.1% men, 63.9% women) was taken from the universities of Punjab, Pakistan. The participants were recruited online and they completed a cross-sectional survey comprising the scales of meaning in life, resilience, and mental well-being during COVID-19. Findings from the study indicated that participants had a normal to a satisfactory level of overall mental wellbeing during COVID-19. Resilience acted as a mediator for both the presence of meaning in life, the search for meaning in life, and mental well-being. Demographic variables including family size were significantly and positively related to resilience while the availability of personal room showed a significant positive relationship with mental well-being. These findings suggest that meaning in life and resilience supports mental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and that effective steps should be taken to make the lives of university students more meaningful and resilient.

Personal growth initiative moderates the mediating effect of COVID-19 preventive behaviors between fear of COVID-19 and satisfaction with life

This study focused on a moderated mediation model. First, it determined the mediating effect of COVID-19 preventive behaviors between fear of COVID-19 and satisfaction with life. Next, it examined whether personal growth initiative moderated the mediation effect. The study comprised 461 Pakistani university students (52% men and 48% women) between 18 and 35 years (M = 24.66, SD = 3.51). Results indicated that higher levels of fear of COVID-19 were linked to greater adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors, which in turn were related to higher levels of satisfaction with life (mediation model). With regard to the hypothesized moderated mediation model, results showed that personal growth initiative moderated the mediating path from fear of COVID-19 to satisfaction with life and from COVID-19 preventive behaviours to satisfaction with life. Further, results suggested that fear of COVID-19 and COVID-19 preventive behaviours had stronger effects on satisfaction with life when personal growth initiative was high, but not when it was low or moderate. It was therefore concluded that personal growth initiative may play a protective role in buffering the negative effect of higher levels of fear of COVID-19 on satisfaction with life and an enabling role in strengthening the relationship between COVID-19 preventive behaviors and satisfaction with life. Theoretical contribution and practical implications of the results are discussed as well as the study limitations and future research prospects.

The Impact of Empowering Leadership on Preschool Teachers’ Job Well-Being in the Context of COVID-19: A Perspective Based on Job Demands-Resources Model

The COVID-19 epidemic in the early 2020s is making a big difference for educators around the world. For the past 2 years, the curriculum and working patterns have been overturned in response to this epidemic, which has brought unprecedented challenges and physical and mental stress to preschool teachers. This situation can have a drastic impact on the acquisition of job well-being for preschool teachers. During this special time, the leader’s management style will also influence the psychological feelings of the organization’s staff. For example, empowering leadership is an important management function that empowers subordinates, emphasizes the meaning of work, promotes participation in decision-making, and expresses confidence. Therefore, in the current COVID-19 pandemic context, it is worthwhile to explore the topic of empowering leadership to ensure preschool teachers’ well-being, by balancing work demands and work resources in a way that facilitates a sense of organizational support and reduces job stress, while relatively fewer studies have been conducted on the relationship between preschool teachers’ job well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on this, this study proposed a research model from the theoretical perspective of the Job Demands-Resources Model to explore the influence of empowering leadership, sense of organizational support, and job stress on preschool teachers’ job well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve the purpose of this study, a convenience sampling method was used to invite 500 preschool teachers in China to complete a questionnaire survey, and after removing invalid samples and data with incomplete answers, reliability and validity analyses and model fit tests were conducted, followed by a structural equation modeling method for path analysis. The results of the study showed that (1) in the kindergarten work context, empowering leadership showed a significant negative effect on job stress, but a significant positive effect on job well-being and a significant positive effect on sense of organizational support. (2) Sense of organizational support had a significant negative effect on job stress but a significant positive effect on preschool teachers’ job well-being. (3) Preschool teachers’ job stress and job well-being showed a significant negative effect. The contribution of this study was to explore the relationship between understanding leadership empowerment and preschool teachers’ job well-being in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic based on the Job Demands-Resources Model, which will facilitate educational organizational contexts to empower preschool teachers to work harder to reduce their job stress as well as enhance their sense of organizational support and promote the acquisition of job well-being.

Chinese Youths' Physical Activity and Flourishing During COVID-19: The Mediating Role of Meaning in Life and Self-Efficacy

Physical activity has wide-ranging consequences for people's physical, mental, and social health. Although the beneficial effects of physical activity on well-being were widely studied, how it promotes well-being remained unclear. The present study utilized the measure of physical activity rating scale (PARS-3), flourishing scale (FS), Chinese- meaning in life questionnaire (C-MLQ), and general self-efficacy scale (GSES) to examine the connection between physical activity and flourishing and the multiple mediation effects of meaning and self-efficacy with 827 Chinese undergraduates. The results indicated that (a) physical activity positively predicted flourishing; (b) meaning in life and self-efficacy played mediating roles in physical activity and flourishing, separately and jointly. Our findings revealed the mechanism of physical activity fostering flourishing, thereby providing an empirical basis for promoting health and flourishing, especially during COVID-19.

Determinants of Quality of Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic Situation among Persons Using Psychological Help at Various Stages of the Pandemic

This article presents the results of three surveys conducted during the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020 and in late June/early July 2020, when pandemic restrictions were in force. The surveys covered patients who had used psychological assistance before the pandemic. two were cross-sectional and one was longitudinal. The first survey involved 270 people (age: M = 29.59, SD = 10.74, women 79.3%), and the second one covered 117 subjects (age: M = 29.40, SD = 11.49, women 85.5%). The third, longitudinal, survey covered 83 subjects (age: M = 26.61, SD = 7.17, women 89.2%). In our research we used the Conservation of Resources Evaluation questionnaire, the abbreviated version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, the WHO Quality of Life Scale, and a questionnaire for collecting sociodemographic information. Our analysis of the quality-of-life correlates in the two cross-sectional studies leads to an observation that for people using psychological help, the constant determinants of quality of life during a pandemic are high gain in resources and little loss of resources. In the first phase of the pandemic, active strategies were not linked to the sense of quality of life. This sense, however, was diminished by a number of negative strategies, such as denial, venting, substance use, restraint, and self-blame. After 3 months of the ongoing pandemic, perceived quality of life was positively correlated with strategies related to seeking instrumental support and active coping. this most likely points to a process of adapting to a difficult situation. The results of our longitudinal surveys demonstrate increasing escapism. Our attempt at explaining which factors determined the quality of life after 3 months of the ongoing pandemic showed that the crucial factors are: a sense of quality of life before the occurrence of the pandemic, changes in the distribution of resilience-oriented resources, changed frequency of using passive strategies, and active ways of coping-but only after 3 months into the pandemic. The results thus obtained can be used both in prevention and in work with persons affected by the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

An Infectious Silver Lining: Is There a Positive Relationship Between Recovering From a COVID Infection and Psychological Richness of Life?

This paper draws from the recent literature on psychological richness of life (PRL), conceptualized as a third dimension of a good life which would be particularly desirable when happiness or meaning in life cannot be satisfactory attained, to investigate whether recovering from a COVID infection could be associated with PRL. We hypothesize that people who have recovered from being infected by the virus rate their PRL higher than those who have not been infected. Two cross-sectional studies (n = 937, and n = 1,012) support the hypothesis, and also found that people who recovered from a COVID infection were less prone to want to delete the pandemic time period from their life line and reported lower levels of death anxiety. The findings have implications for coping both on a societal and individual level, by changing perspectives and valuing the richness of positive as well as negative experiences, as well as counteracting repetitiveness and tedium and stimulating new experiences and reflection. The findings also have implications for future research on well-being, which could be informed by expanding the perspective from living well to a life well-lived, and future research on PRL and coping in terms of investigating causalities and interaction effects.

Frequency and Correlates of Online Consultations With Doctors or Therapists in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Nationally Representative Cross-sectional Study

Background

A few studies have identified the frequency and correlates of online consultations with doctors or therapists. However, there is a lack of studies using nationally representative data from middle-aged and older adults in Germany.

Objective

This study aims to determine the frequency and correlates of online consultations with doctors or therapists in Germany.

Methods

For this study, cross-sectional data were taken from the nationally representative German Ageing Survey (DEAS; n=3067 in the analytical sample; age range 46-98 years). As part of the DEAS, a short survey was conducted between June 8 and July 22, 2020, examining the everyday life and living conditions among these middle-aged and older individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The frequency of online consultations with doctors or therapists served as the dependent variable (daily, several times a week, once a week, 1-3 times a month, less often, and never). Multiple logistic regressions were performed.

Results

In sum, 10.02% (381/3806) of individuals with access to the internet had online consultations with doctors or therapists. Multiple logistic regressions showed that the likelihood of using online consultations with doctors or therapists (compared with those never using such services) was positively associated with higher education (compared with medium education; odds ratio [OR] 1.31, 95% CI 1.01-1.70), living with a partner in the same household (compared with single; OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.05-2.22), poorer self-rated health (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.16-1.74), increased loneliness (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.10-1.90), and increased satisfaction with life (OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.03-1.64).

Conclusions

Study findings suggest that a non-negligible proportion of about 1 out of 10 individuals aged 46 years and over had online consultations with doctors or therapists. However, compared with other countries, this proportion remains small. Knowledge about the correlates of (non)use may assist in identifying corresponding individuals. In times of reshaping the health care system, these efforts in online consultations with doctors or therapists may contribute to addressing patient needs. Moreover, increased use of such services may reduce the risk of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2 by reducing social contact.

Adolescents and Resilience: Factors Contributing to Health-Related Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study aimed to examine health-related quality of life of adolescents before and during the COVID-19 outbreak, and its relationship to resilience embodied in hope and a sense of coherence. Typically developed adolescents between the ages of 13 to 18 participated in the study; 84 were recruited before the pandemic outbreak and 64 in March to April 2020 during the worldwide outbreak. The participants completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Sense of Coherence Scale, and Children’s Hope Scale. During the outbreak, adolescents reported higher physical health-related quality of life scores (F(1146) = 3.710, p < 0.05, η² = 0.027) and lower school health-related quality of life scores (F(1146) = 5.748, p < 0.05, η2 = 0.028), compared to adolescents during the pre-outbreak period. Furthermore, adolescents during the outbreak reported a significantly (p < 0.05) higher sense of coherence but no difference in levels of hope. Finally, the results of multiple linear regression indicated that resilience factors (hope and sense of coherence) contributed to the prediction of health-related quality of life, independent of socio-demographic variables. Hope and a sense of coherence were both found to positively impact one core aspect of health, which highlights the importance of addressing resilience factors in educational and therapeutic settings for adolescents thus that they are better able to adapt to stressful events such as pandemics.

An evaluation of community satisfaction with the government's COVID-19 pandemic response in Aceh, Indonesia

Countries around the world are still struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. No exception with Indonesia, a developing country with the highest mortality rate and the lowest number of tests in Asia. Located in the northernmost, Aceh is one of the poorest provinces with a history of long-term conflict is not in the best condition to face a pandemic. This study's objective is to assess the local government's performance in responding to this pandemic according to the Acehnese community's level of satisfaction. Additionally, this study proposes a priority list for the local government to follow up on. A total of 529 respondents were collected within a week by the criteria of having internet access, being literate, and using WhatsApp messenger. The results show that the Acehnese are dissatisfied with the local government's performance in all districts or cities and at all stages, which include: anticipation, early detection, containment, control and mitigation, and elimination. Meanwhile, the top five priority recommendations are: conducting more rapid test and COVID-19 test; providing more test tools; performing detection; and inhibiting spread. These findings lead to many interpretations: lower trust towards the government, a poor health system, and potential influence on the political output. While vaccines are now being distributed in Aceh, the main focus is still to minimize spread and heal the sick. Looking at these results, the Aceh provincial government needs to work harder to improve both its performance and reputation with the Acehnese people.

Does having various types of fear related to the COVID-19 disrupt the daily life of individuals?

OBJECTIVES

Unexpected changes in daily routines caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may affect psychological health. This study investigated the association between various types of COVID-19-related fear and the subjective level of disturbance in daily activities experienced by individuals.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study used the Korea Community Health Survey conducted from August through November 2020. COVID-19-related fear included fear of infection, death, public criticism, family members getting infected, and economic loss. The subjective level of disruption in daily activities was measured using a 0-100 numeric rating scale developed by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyze the associations between the independent and dependent variables. A subgroup analysis was performed based on income level.

RESULTS

Participants who reported fear of infection (β=-3.37, p<0.001), death (β=-0.33, p=0.030), public criticism (β=-1.63, p<0.001), a family member getting infected (β=-1.03, p<0.001), and economic loss (β=-3.52, p<0.001) experienced more disturbances in daily activities. The magnitude of this association was most significant in the lowest-income group.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals reporting COVID-19-related fear experienced higher levels of subjective disruption in daily activities.

Grit and Meaning in Life of Chinese Nurses: The Chain Mediating Effect of Social Support and Hope

Grit is defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals, and it may affect the stability of the nursing workforce and the physical and mental health of nurses continuously. Meaning in life has received considerable attention from scholars, which is an important component in positive psychology. This study aimed to delve into the relationship between grit and the meaning in life of Chinese nurses. Additionally, we also sought to prove the chain mediating effect of social support and hope on this relationship. An online questionnaire survey was used to collect data from 704 Chinese nurses using the self-made demographic questionnaire with Short Grit Scale (Grit-S), the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS), Adult Dispositional Hope Scale (ADHS), and Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Moreover, Process version 3.3 plug-in SPSS 25 was used to test the mediation effect between variables. The results showed a strong positive relationship between grit and meaning in life and verified the mediating effect of social support and hope on grit and meaning in life. The results also confirmed the chain mediating model between grit, social support, hope, and meaning in life.

Psychological Factors, Leisure Activities, and Satisfaction during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eleven Spanish-Speaking Countries

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lives of millions of people worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the effects of several psychological factors (self-esteem, self-control, and emotional stability) over lifestyle-related variables (time spent on leisure activities) and the levels of satisfaction (family, friends, work, and leisure satisfaction) experienced during the COVID-19 outbreak. Data for this article were retrieved as part of a cross-sectional international study conducted in eleven Spanish-speaking countries between March and September 2020. The analyses were conducted using the responses of 9500 persons (65.95% women, 34.05% men). Structural equation modeling was used to test the direct and indirect effects of the psychological variables on satisfaction variables mediated by the time engaged in leisure activities. Our model indicated that psychological factors significantly predicted the amount of time spent in leisure activities and satisfaction. Overall, results indicate that self-esteem is a relevant psychological factor to consider in the development of psychological interventions directed at promoting healthy lifestyles. Nevertheless, further research is needed to validate the direction of the associations found in this study.

Investigating stress, anxiety, social support and sex satisfaction on physical education and sports teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Academia was no exception to the widespread impact of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). There is only a small amount of research conducted with regard to the consequences of the Pandemic in Fiji. Thus, in order to gather a longitudinal dataset, a cross-sectional survey was conducted from February to August 2020. 300 physical education and sports teachers used Google Forms to complete an online survey. There are questions on the form about age, gender, marital status, and other daily activities. A similar survey was conducted to study the long-term psychological effects (coronavirus fear and fascination with COVID-19). The characteristics of society have been explored. Efforts have been made to use different sets of psychological data, showing the anticipated results. Sex, age, marital status, and family type are significantly affected by stress, anxiety, sexual satisfaction, and social support. There is a substantial difference between marital status, gender, and social support when it comes to the Pandemic. According to research findings, fifty per cent of secondary school physical education and sports teachers in Fiji may have been affected by the Pandemic. Considerations should be taken to keep teachers calm during a pandemic. Because of this, it is necessary to submit some practical recommendations in order to minimize the adverse effects of this problem.

The Psychological Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic Restrictions in Italy. The Mediating Role of the Fear of COVID-19 in the Relationship between Positive and Negative Affect with Positive and Negative Outcomes

Italy was quickly hit hard by the coronavirus. 'Lockdown' has significantly impacted the psychological health, personal wellbeing and quality of life of the people. The study aims to explore the relationship between positive and negative affect, as well as positive (spiritual well-being and flourishing) and negative outcomes (psychological distress caused by a traumatic life event in terms of perception of PTSD symptoms) on Italian adults during the lockdown period. Data was collected between April and May 2020. The participants were 281 Italian adults aged between 18 and 73 years. The survey was composed of the following measures: Flourishing Scale, Jarel Spiritual Well-Being scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Fear of COVID-19. The mediational analysis shows that fear of COVID-19 fully mediates the relationship between negative affect and spiritual well-being and flourishing; fear of COVID-19 partially mediates the relationship between negative affect and PTSD symptoms; the positive affect shows only direct effects on positive outcomes. Therefore, fear of COVID-19 does not play any mediation role. Implications for psychological interventions and future research will be discussed.