Mental Health, Well-Being, and Psychological Flexibility in the Stressful Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between selected emotional aspects of mental ill-health (depression, anxiety, and stress, DASS) and mental well-health (well-being) experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theoretical model of the study was based on Martin Seligman’s positive psychology and PERMA theory and Paul Wong’s Existential Positive Psychology 2.0 Theory, which postulates that negative experiences contribute to well-being and personal growth. The static approach was complemented by exploring the mediating role of psychological flexibility (defined as acceptance and action in the current situation) in the relationship between negative emotions and well-being. The data were collected during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic from 277 participants (221 women), aged M = 33.83, SD = 12.77. The results confirmed that negative emotions correlated negatively with various domains of well-being (PERM), except for accomplishment (completing tasks and fulfill daily responsibilities). Moreover, negative emotions were related to the general well-being through psychological flexibility in that higher depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with lower psychological flexibility, which decreased general well-being. Finally, negative emotions were shown to be beneficial, having an adaptive effect that allows individuals to maintain their ability to cope with the situation, reach goals, and fulfill daily duties and responsibilities despite critical, stressful situation (like the COVID-19 pandemic) that limit their psychological flexibility. This observation confirmed the positive potential of negative aspects of life postulated within Existential Positive Psychology.

Psychological Capital, Well-being, and Distress of International Students

“…PsyCap was shown to be associated with PERMA well-being and at the same time through increased flourishing could decrease levels of anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms, consistent with Finch et al (2020) study. Also, the mediating role of PERMA well-being supported the function of well-being in the extant literature (Choi, 2021;Lai et al, 2018;Wąsowicz et al, 2021).…”

“…Though the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose a serious threat to individuals' well-being (Arslan et al, 2020;Xiong et al, 2020;, there is growing evidence of severe mental health problems worldwide (Arslan et al, 2020;Qiu et al, 2020;Xiong et al, 2020). There is some evidence in support of well-being as a mediator (Choi, 2021;Lai et al, 2018;Wąsowicz et al, 2021). After controlling for demographic variables, PERMA well-being negatively predicted psychological distress in a multinational study during the COVID-19 pandemic (Carreno et al, 2021).…”

Public Psychosocial and Behavioral Responses in the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Large Survey in China

“…Two large studies conducted in Bangladesh and Philippine confirmed our finding, in which women were more likely to be suffered from psychological issues from the pandemic ( 21 , 22 ). This continuous feeling of panic may have motivated women to maintain a higher degree of self-protection and to be more cooperative with the prevention and control measures compared with men throughout the first wave of the epidemic ( 23 ). One possible explanation for this result was that those Chinese women, who are usually the decision-makers of their families, may have prompted their family members to take the disease seriously, and to engage in preventative measures, such as reducing outdoor activities and using personal protection.…”

Covid-19 and Psychological Well-being among Indian Expatriates in Saudi Arabia

“…Camitan et al investigated the relationship between well-being elements and resiliency of 533 Filipino adults under the nationwide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) during the COVID-19 pandemic (11). The study of Wąsowicz, Grażyna, et al investigated the relationships between selected emotional aspects of mental ill-health (depression, anxiety, and stress) and mental well-health (well-being) experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic (12). The study's theoretical model was based on Martin Seligman's positive psychology and PERMA theory and Paul Wong's Existential Positive Psychology 2.0 Theory, which postulates that negative experiences contribute to the well-being and personal growth (13).…”