The Confluence
Student Type
Undergraduate
Document Type
Article
Abstract
There has been little research conducted on the impact that COVID-19 has had on people, both at an individual and group level. The aim of our study was to see what effect COVID-19 stress versus general health stress has on collective self-esteem and how that translates to political values. Collins and colleagues (2021) studied how political identity impacts people’s level of concern regarding COVID-19, specifically that those who identified as Democrats experienced more distress surrounding COVID-19. Social Identity Theory explains that stressors can result in lower collective self-esteem (Crocker & Park, 2003). To examine this, we compared collective self-esteem and in-group bias in two conditions, thinking about COVID-19 stress or general health stress. We found that the level of collective self-esteem was higher in the health stress condition as opposed to the COVID-19 stress condition. In addition, we found evidence of significant in-group bias within political parties. This research furthers the current knowledge on the psychological impacts of COVID-19.
Recommended Citation
Komp, Ellen M. and Afful, Stephanie
(2023)
"Six Feet Apart: A Deeper Look at the Psychological Effects of COVID-19,"
The Confluence: Vol. 2:
Iss.
2, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.62608/2150-2633.1041
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theconfluence/vol2/iss2/1
Date
12/09/2022
Author Bio
Ellen Komp is a student researcher at Lindenwood University. She is pursuing bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice. She plans to graduate in December of 2022.