COVER STORY
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
Image credit: MATTHEW HAMILTON on Unsplash.
By SHAGORIIKA EASWAR, with files from PsychTests AIM Inc.
The trees are putting on their fall colours, but enthusiasm for the spectacular annual show appears a tad muted.
The cooler, damp weather came too soon upon us. “We didn’t get to enjoy summer and now it’s already time to pull out the sweatshirts,” grumbled a young lady while standing in line at a grocery store recently.
Several questions are top-of-mind for many of us as we greet neighbours and friends – from a safe distance.
Will we see a spike in COVID-19 cases with the kids having been back in school for a few weeks? Will the number of cases jump with the advent of the traditional “flu season”?
What will it take to see us through to the other side in such an eventuality, wearied as we are from the first skirmish?
Federal and provincial help? Check. The much-awaited vaccine? Check. Good old common sense? Check. A hunker-down-and-get-through-this attitude? Check.
And along with all of this, something that may be hard to find within us under the current circumstances – optimism.
A study conducted by PsychTests.com reveals that optimism will help people adapt to the pandemic with a greater sense of ease.
How on earth can one expect to feel optimistic with all that’s going on? The job losses, the closure of businesses, the worry about the health of loved ones?
Optimism tempered with a realistic attitude, reveals Pandemic Positivity, a study which indicates that “realistic optimists” are coping best with the lockdown.
There hasn’t been much to smile about in the last few months. A health crisis, economic troubles, a mandatory lockdown and the ensuing protests have left many people struggling to find the silver lining. It’s during times like these, however, that a positive attitude can make all the difference. Just not the rose-coloured, Pollyanna kind, suggest researchers at PsychTests. A recent study analysing the state of mind of a sample of the population reveals that those who have maintained a positive, yet realistic attitude throughout the lockdown are coping much better than their pessimistic and “happy-go-lucky” counterparts.
COVID-19 isn’t just a physical health issue. It has been a test of resilience, tenacity, and patience, as people try to protect themselves against an enemy they can neither see nor hear. This new, unprecedented reality of isolation and social distancing, of governments and medical officials learning on the fly, has left people wondering what tomorrow will bring. Statistics collected by Psych-Tests.com reveal that people are doing what they can to acclimatize to the unknown, but it has not been an easy ride. While people are doing the best they can to adapt to the current circumstances, it has taken a psychological toll.
40% of people are experiencing moderate to extreme stress.
31% are ruminating to the point where it’s affecting their sleep and/or ability to concentrate.
27% are experiencing moderate to severe anxiety.
31% are feeling sad.
48% are at least somewhat worried about their health, safety, and finances.
5% believe that humanity is doomed, and that the pandemic is ushering in the end of the world.
In terms of all the unknowns:
5% find the uncertainty terrifying and don’t know how to handle it.
39% said that they’re afraid, but doing their best to cope.
56% accept the ambiguity and are just going with the flow.
In addition, 62% believe that information about the virus shared on social media should be taken with a grain of salt.
PsychTests’ Pandemic Resilience Test assesses grit and the ability to cope during the COVID-19 crisis, identifies vulnerabilities, and offers practical tips to boost mental toughness.
The free test evaluates a number of traits and skills that play an important role in people’s response to adversity, and offers helpful, down-to-earth advice on how to manage the stress and fear.
It evaluates nine factors, eight of which can act as a protective psychological “shield” against the emotional upheaval caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
The test offers an overall resilience score, along with scores and narrative results for the following scales:
Current stress level: Assesses a person’s stress level as it relates to the current pandemic.
Dealing with ambiguity: Assesses a person’s ability to cope with the unknown.
Locus of control: Assesses a person’s perceived sense of control over his or her circumstances, and life in general.
Perspective: Assesses a person’s ability to step back from a situation and see the big picture.
Critical thinking: Assesses a person’s ability to think rationally about a subject.
Coping skills: Assesses whether a person makes it a habit of using healthy, adaptive strategies to deal with stress.
Hardiness: Assesses a person’s ability to remain resilient, and to bounce back from hardship.
Community values: Assesses the degree to which a person shows good will towards his or her fellow human beings during a crisis.
Common sense: Assesses a person’s ability to apply practical and intuitive knowledge that is not necessarily related to formal education.
Analysing data from 2,571 people who took PsychTests’ Pandemic Resilience Test, researchers divided the sample into three groups: Extreme Optimists, Realistic Optimists, and Pessimists. They then assessed how well each group is coping with the pandemic fallout.
Here is what the data revealed:
MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES
15% of Realistic Optimists are struggling with major or severe stress, compared to 24% of Extreme Optimists and 68% of Pessimists.
28% of Realistic Optimists have found themselves ruminating more, compared to 30% of Extreme Optimists and 83% of Pessimists.
24% of Realistic Optimists are experiencing anxiety or panic, compared to 32% of Extreme Optimists and 76% of Pessimists.
13% of Realistic Optimists are paranoid about getting sick, or experiencing somatization/hypochondria, compared to 23% of Extreme Optimists and 62% of Pessimists.
25% of Realistic Optimists are experiencing profound sadness, compared to 36% of Extreme Optimists and 77% of Pessimists.
Image credit: RAJ RANA on Unsplash.
ATTITUDES TOWARDS COVID-19
74% of Realistic Optimists believe that if they take precautions, like washing their hands and keeping a distance, they can keep themselves safe, compared to 72% of Extreme Optimists and 28% of Pessimists.
1% of Realistic Optimists believe that there is no reason for an infected person to self-isolate if they are asymptomatic, compared to 52% of Extreme Optimists and 11% of Pessimists. Along the same lines, 1% of Realistic Optimists believe that there is no reason for an infected person to self-isolate if they are young and healthy, compared to 57% of Extreme Optimists and 14% of Pessimists.
84% of Realistic Optimists believe that health is far more valuable than wealth, especially at this time, compared to 62% of Extreme Optimists and 67% of Pessimists.
6% of Realistic Optimists believe that hoarding food, supplies, and medicine is the only way to survive, compared to 31% of Extreme Optimists and 20% of Pessimists.
60% of Realistic Optimists believe that information about the virus that is posted on social media should be taken with “a grain of salt,” compared to 42% of Extreme Optimists and 45% of Pessimists.
DEALING WITH THE FALLOUT OF THE PANDEMIC
61% of Realistic Optimists and Extreme Optimists believe that the economy will pick up as soon as the pandemic is over, compared to 21% of Pessimists.
82% of Realistic Optimists believe that the current circumstances will teach us how to deal with pandemics in the future, compared to 57% of Extreme Optimists and 41% of Pessimists.
74% of Realistic Optimists said that they have been doing their best to help friends and family, and to be neighbourly, compared to 57% of Extreme Optimists and 49% of Pessimists.
2% of Realistic Optimists believe this pandemic is a sign of the end of the world, and that humanity is doomed, compared to 23% of Extreme Optimists and 32% of Pessimists.
COPING STRATEGIES
60% of Realistic Optimists are taking time to relax and unwind, compared to 58% of Extreme Optimists and 25% of Pessimists.
78% of Realistic Optimists are revising their routines, making adjustments, and said they are adapting the best they can given the circumstances, compared to 67% of Extreme Optimists and 23% of Pessimists.
64% of Realistic Optimists are using humour to get through this difficult time, compared to 59% of Extreme Optimists and 20% of Pessimists.
71% of Realistic Optimists said that they striving to keep the current circumstances in perspective, compared to 56% of Extreme Optimists and 13% of Pessimists.
61% of Realistic Optimists said that they are focusing on the good in their life instead of the bad, compared to 63% of Extreme Optimists and 6% of Pessimists.
73% of Realistic Optimists said that they regularly remind themselves that things will eventually get better, compared to 68% of Extreme Optimists and 11% of Pessimists.
63% of Realistic Optimists said that in spite of everything that has happened, they are making it a point to look for the silver lining, compared to 55% of Extreme Optimists and 5% of Pessimists.
71% of Realistic Optimists have an outlet to relieve their stress, such as exercise, mediation, mindfulness, or talking things out, compared to 64% of Extreme Optimists and 29% of Pessimists.
54% of Realistic Optimists seek advice from someone who can help, such as a therapist, financial advisor, or other form of support, compared to 49% of Extreme Optimists and 31% of Pessimists.
* * *
“A great deal of research has been conducted on the benefits of an optimistic attitude. Positivity is good for both your mental and physical health,” explains Dr Ilona Jerabek, president of PsychTests. “However, it’s important to know how to differentiate between different types of optimism. Extreme optimists, although cheerful and hopeful, tend to be more reckless, and don’t use their common sense as often as they should. They take more risks, and believe that thinking positive will keep them safe. Realistic optimists are critical thinkers. They hope for the best but also plan and prepare for the worst. They maintain a positive attitude but are rational as well, and won’t pretend everything is fine when it’s not.
“Realistic optimists also know how to keep circumstances in perspective, how to manage stress, won’t allow themselves to fall into the trap of rumination and worry, and recognize that at some point, things will get better.”
This is the ideal attitude during a crisis, suggests Dr Jerabek.
“Some may argue that pessimists are better prepared for the worst because they expect it. Our study, as many others, says otherwise. Right now, the best approach to the pandemic is to adapt to what the circumstances require, and to recognize that as difficult as self-isolation and the economic downturn have been, the only way forward is through it. Things are already starting to improve. In the end, our attitude is a choice: We can stay positive and take everything in stride, or we can complain, get upset, and assume that it’s the end of the world.”
The Test also offers practical tips that people can apply immediately, including mindfulness and deep breathing techniques, tips on how to avoid making fear-based decisions, and strategies to channel negative emotions.
“Pandemics are not a new phenomenon, but the COVID-19 virus spread exceptionally quickly, completely blindsiding the general population and medical experts alike,” says Dr Jerabek. “Many of us still can’t wrap our heads around what’s going on. This generates a lot of confusion, stress, and fear, because we don’t know what to expect, or even what tomorrow will bring. As a result, it’s very easy for people to get caught up in an emotional wave, to lose perspective, and to act out of fear. You need only look back at the store shelves where the toilet paper used to sit in the early days of this pandemic to understand this. People should absolutely take the current circumstances seriously, but giving way to panic is not the way to go.
“Thankfully, there are many bright sides to this pandemic, and this is what people need to focus on right now. Look for the silver lining in everything. For example, this time in isolation has compelled us to rethink our priorities, and has reminded us that health is far more valuable than wealth. It has brought people together despite social distancing, and allowed us to reestablish a bond with family and neighbors, and to reconnect with ourselves. Now more than ever, we encourage people to use this time of isolation for personal development. Hone your self-awareness, re-evaluate your values and goals, work on your emotional intelligence, and learn new and more effective coping skills. We have a golden opportunity to come out of this pandemic much wiser and stronger than ever before.”
PsychTests AIM Inc., the parent company of Queendom.com, originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts.
The free Pandemic Resilience Test can be taken from: https://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/4106.
Image credit: YOGENDRA SINGH on Unsplash.
HEALTHY COPING STRATEGIES PEOPLE ARE USING
68% said they are doing their best to keep the current circumstances in perspective.
67% regularly remind themselves that things will get better.
65% use an outlet to relieve stress, such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing.
60% are using humour.
58% are actively problem-solving to develop strategies and solutions to improve their circumstances.
57% make it a point to look for the silver lining.
55% said they are focusing on the good in their life rather than the bad.
52% are taking time to relax and unwind.
52% are talking things out with people they believe can help (doctor, therapist, financial advisor, etc.).
“We are facing a reality that most of us have never faced before,” says Dr Jerabek. “Granted, the SARS and H1N1 outbreaks were not that long ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic has grown far beyond them. This, along with the fact that we are dealing with a new virus that doesn’t have a vaccine, has stirred up a great deal of fear, frustration, and confusion. It is clear from our statistics that people are struggling to cope with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there also seems to be a sense of acceptance, and that is a good sign. People are accommodating the current reality as it is, and recognize that all they can do right now is take precautions, and adapt. They know that this won’t go on forever, so they’re sitting tight, and making the best of a tough situation.
“For those who are not adjusting well, my advice would be to stop, take some deep breaths, and put the circumstances in perspective. Things look bad now, but they will get better. Use this time of isolation for self-development. Learn new coping techniques, like deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness. Pick up some skills, or learn a new language. Find ways to make productive use of your time, and direct that negative mental energy into something positive.”
Image credit; AATIK TASNEEM on Unsplash.
STUDY SHEDS LIGHTS ON OUR ATTITUDES
Recent statistics released by PsychTests.com reveal that the majority of people are taking the pandemic seriously, and are cautiously optimistic about the future.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought out the best, and in a few cases, the worst, in people. There were helpers and there were hoarders. There were philanthropists and there were profiteers. And there are people who are cautious, and people who are careless.
Here is what the study revealed:
In terms of taking precautions, 92 per cent of people are following most, if not all, of the guidelines recommended by medical professionals.
That said:
16% believe that taking precautions like washing their hands, practising social distancing, and not going out very often will prevent them from catching the virus.
50% believe that they can minimize their likelihood of getting infected by following the guidelines, but don’t believe they have complete control over whether they will get the virus.
28% believe that taking precautions can protect them to some degree, but for the most part, it’s about being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
6% believe that taking precautions won’t make a difference at all.
Only a small portion of the sample (7%) believe that hoarding food and medical supplies is the way to survive.
3% believe that there is no need for an infected person to self-isolate if he or she is asymptomatic.
4% think quarantining is not necessary if an infected person is young and in good health.
4% are buying out food, products, and/or medicine in order to sell them at a profit.
LOOKING FOR THE SILVER LINING
81% agree that right now, health is far more valuable than wealth.
77% believe that the current circumstances are a valuable lesson that will help world leaders and the general population to better prepare for future pandemics.
72% are doing everything they can to help family, friends, and neighbours.
67% are making it a point to treat other people with extra kindness during this time.
63% are taking more time to consider how their words and actions affect others.
66% are able to find something positive about the current circumstances.
Even though the economy is suffering, 60% trust that it will pick up again soon.
* * *
“Nothing reveals a person’s true nature better than a crisis,” says Dr Jerabek. “This is because stressful situations force us to rethink our priorities, and to contemplate what matters most to us. Crises also stir up a lot of fear, and this in turn pushes some people to behave in selfish ways in the name of self-preservation. This pandemic has been starkly enlightening, frightening, and tragic in many ways. It’s brought to light the general unpreparedness of many governments. It has generated conspiracy theories, and incited hoarding, price gouging, and scams. But it has also been a blessing in disguise. People at the frontlines are being recognized and praised like never before. Neighbours are bonding and helping each other, even at a distance. Families are spending more time together doing the things that they often lament they never have time for. As much as we have been challenged by this pandemic, we have also been given an opportunity to prove how strong and caring we can be.
“Some people prefer to call attention to all the negative aspects of this pandemic. I think it’s far better to focus on what it has done to make us better.”