Is it good to be resilient during the COVID‑19 period? The role of ego-resiliency in the intensity of symptoms of anxiety, alcohol use and aggression among Polish people

Abstract

Objectives: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has affected the development of negative phenomena such as anxiety symptoms, a tendency to use alcohol and aggressive behaviors. It is postulated to investigate the factors limiting the development of the indicated adverse effects. One of the psychological resources that may have a significant, pro-health character in relation to mental functioning is ego-resiliency (ER). It is described as a personality trait associated with a high ability to adequately regulate self-control, depending on the conditions. There are studies providing information about the prohealth, adaptive nature of ER during the COVID-19 period. The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between ER and anxiety, the tendency to use alcohol and aggression in the group of Polish people in the initial lockdown period in Poland. Material and Methods: Overall, 538 adult Polish people participated in the study. The Ego-Resiliency Scale referred to as ER89-R12, according to Block's concept, was used to measure ER. The other scales used were the General Anxiety Disorder Scale, the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test, and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, the multiple regression procedure, the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis rank ANOVA. Cronbach's α coefficients were also assessed. Results: Statistically significant negative relationships between ER and the severity of anxiety symptoms and generalized aggression were found. There was a weak positive relationship between ER and the tendency to use alcohol. Among the surveyed Polish people, higher ER was characteristic of the older respondents (aged >29 years) and people with higher education. Conclusions: Ego-resiliency in the times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic can counteract the development of anxiety and aggression. Optimal regulation seems to play an important role in this relationship. The relationship between resiliency and the tendency to use alcohol requires further observation.

Relationship between the Severity of Anxiety Symptoms, Aggression and Alcohol Consumption during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

“…It is also worth noting that 50.37% (271) of the respondents were people with higher education. The sociodemographic structure of the studied group did not differ from the previously published work [27]. This study was part of a larger project.…”

“…This study was part of a larger project. The first part of the project was devoted to the pro-health role of ego-resiliency in relation to the severity of symptoms of anxiety and aggression and the role of resiliency in alcohol consumption [27].…”

Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms and Their Relationships with Ego-Resiliency and Life Satisfaction among Well-Educated, Young Polish Citizens during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…A meta-analysis of the prevalence of depression and anxiety among COVID-19 patients conducted by Deng et al showed that 45% suffered from depression and 47% from anxiety [ 33 ]. Because of the high prevalence of anxiety and depression, numerous studies [ 3 , 26 , 34 ] have explored the impact of ER on people’s functioning during the pandemic. Some studies show that high ER may help to maintain psychological balance mainly due to its negative correlation with anxiety [ 3 ].…”

“…Resiliency is one of the crucial coping mechanisms that promotes healthy and beneficial behaviors during crises [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. It is defined as a dynamic ‘processual phenomenon’ that allows ‘positive adaptation’ to vicissitudes [ 4 ].…”

“Yes, in Crisis We Pray”. The Role of Prayer in Coping with Pandemic Fears

“…Size and proportions of the group. More participation of women in voluntary studies on psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is rather a standard, not an exception (Dębski et al 2021;Fullana et al 2020;Juchnowicz et al 2021;Knolle et al 2021;Nikolaidis et al 2021;Padmanabhanunni and Pretorius 2021;Palgi et al 2020;Pierce et al 2020), not meaning that we are unaware of the limitations of conclusions caused by this situation. The number of respondents we obtained was generally low, although sufficient to test the formulated hypotheses.…”