Coping with Covid 19 lockdown: Optimism and Intolerance of Uncertainty in India

Abstract

Background: Kerala state in India has been hailed as an exceptional model in containing the Covid 19 pandemic within a low resource setting Insights from such a setting are valuable for mental health research during an epidemic situation, especially for resource poor countries.Aims:The study examined the relationship between optimism intolerance of uncertainty (IU), and socio- demographic factors among participants from Kerala, India.Methods: An observational design was used and data was collected using online survey. Snowball sampling method was employed. Sample consisted of 121 adults belonging to Kerala. Standardised tools and customised questionnaire were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed.Results: A strong relationship existed between inhibitory anxiety and optimism. Socio-demographicfactors did not determine either intolerance of uncertainty or optimism. The unprecedenteduncertainty brought about by the pandemic needs further exploration.Conclusions: The present pandemic has presented an unprecedented situation regarding well beingof individuals. Further studies on anxiety and related issues, and protective factors during situationsof uncertainty are needed for policy and practice related to community level disaster preparedness.