NAVIGATING EMOTIONS IN CRISIS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF EMOTION REGULATION STRATEGIES DURING A PANDEMIC
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a profound global crisis, profoundly affecting individuals' mental health and emotional well-being. This study explores the dynamics of positive and negative affect during the pandemic, with a particular focus on how emotion regulation strategies mediate these emotional experiences. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions and supporting individuals in managing their emotional responses in crisis situations.
The pandemic has been marked by uncertainty, social isolation, and health concerns, all of which contribute to a broad spectrum of emotional responses. Positive affect, characterized by feelings of joy, hope, and optimism, contrasts with negative affect, including anxiety, fear, and sadness.
Emotion regulation strategies, such as cognitive reappraisal, mindfulness, and social support, play a pivotal role in influencing how these emotions are experienced and managed. This study aims to investigate how different emotion regulation strategies impact the relationship between positive and negative affect during the pandemic.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. Participants, drawn from diverse demographic backgrounds, completed self-report questionnaires assessing their levels of positive and negative affect, as well as their use of various emotion regulation strategies. The quantitative analysis involved structural equation modeling to assess the mediating effects of these strategies. Qualitative interviews provided deeper insights into individual experiences and coping mechanisms.
The findings indicate that emotion regulation strategies significantly mediate the relationship between positive and negative affect. Specifically, cognitive reappraisal was found to enhance positive affect while reducing negative affect, thereby serving as a protective factor. Mindfulness was associated with increased positive affect and decreased anxiety, suggesting its role in fostering emotional resilience. Conversely, maladaptive strategies, such as avoidance or rumination, were linked to heightened negative affect and reduced positive emotional experiences. Social support emerged as a critical factor in moderating emotional responses, highlighting its importance in buffering the impact of negative emotions.
The study underscores the importance of adaptive emotion regulation strategies in navigating the emotional challenges of a pandemic. Effective emotion regulation not only alleviates negative affect but also promotes positive emotional experiences, contributing to overall psychological well-being. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive reappraisal and mindfulness, along with strengthening social support networks, could be beneficial in managing pandemic-related stress. Furthermore, understanding individual differences in emotion regulation can help tailor interventions to meet diverse needs.
The results have practical implications for mental health practitioners, policymakers, and individuals. By promoting adaptive emotion regulation strategies and providing robust social support, it is possible to mitigate the negative emotional impacts of pandemics and enhance overall well-being. Future research should continue to explore the interplay between emotion regulation and affect in various crisis contexts, expanding our understanding of how to effectively support mental health in challenging times.
Keywords
Pandemic, Emotion Regulation, Emotional Well-beingHow to Cite
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