Paradoxical Impacts of Social Relationship on Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Social interaction is an important source of psychological and physical well-being during normal times. However, following the COVID-19 outbreak, which spreads rapidly from person to person, social interaction poses a fatal threat to one’s health and life. Therefore, several countries including South Korea implemented an intense social distancing mandate to prevent the spread of the virus. During these unique times of pandemic, the current research investigated whether and how an individual’s well-being varies as a function of their interaction with various relationship partners using experience sampling data (Study 1) and online longitudinal data (Study 2). The results indicated that being alone was more detrimental to well-being during the pandemic than before it. Specifically, interaction with close relationship partners (e.g., romantic partner, spouse, or friend) was positively related to well-being, whereas interaction with formal relationship partners (e.g., coworker, boss) was negatively linked to momentary well-being during the pandemic. Furthermore, our study showed that the association between social supports from close relationships and well-being was temporally strengthened during COVID-19 pandemic. In sum, the benefits of close relationships on well-being were stronger during the COVID-19 pandemic than before it.

In-person and virtual social interactions improve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…In the present research, we join a growing wave of researchers exploring how this forced shift to virtual modes of socialization during the height of the pandemic impacted well-being among the general U.S. population [83,108,135,[137][138][139][140][141][142][143][144][145][146][147][148]. These previous studies of virtual interaction have shown how social distancing has impacted social connection and well-being and that smartphones may, depending on the context of their usage, either attenuate or exacerbate potential negative experiences during the pandemic.…”

Predictive factors of anxiety and depression in COVID‐19 survivors: A cross‐sectional study

“…COVID‐19 has produced numerous debilitating sociopsychological effects despite all successful health policies and concerted efforts to combat the virus 4 . Disease and death fear, the spread of fake news and rumors, interference with daily life activities, travel restrictions, occupational and financial problems, and a reduction in social relations with coworkers, friends, and family are examples of several of the numerous negative effects of COVID‐19 that threaten human societies 5,6 . Similar psychological effects, including panic, depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, have been reported in various countries due to the pandemic among ordinary people and health system workers 7 .…”