We’re All Trying to Stay Positive in the Pandemic, But Who’s Coping Best?

Since COVID-19 was announced as a pandemic earlier this year, and the country was put into lockdown, it’s been more important than ever to find moments of positivity. Combined with the economic hardships many have faced, these are clearly unprecedented times. But who, exactly, is dealing with it best?

Recently, researchers at PsychTests embarked on a study to find out exactly that. By gathering and analyzing data from more than 2,500 people, the team split the respondents into three categories: extreme optimists, realistic optimists and pessimists. From there, they assessed how each group is coping with the pandemic and published their findings, which we are sharing below.

From coping strategies to attitudes toward COVID-19, the study highlights some interesting insights, but concludes that it’s the realistic optimists who are coping best.

“This is the ideal attitude during a crisis,” says Dr. Jerabek, president of PsychTests. “Some may argue that pessimists are better prepared for the worst, because they expect it. Our study, as have many others, says otherwise. Right now, the best approach to the pandemic is to adapt to what the circumstances require and to recognize that, as difficult as self-isolation and the economic downturn have been, the only way forward is through it.”

Mental Health Struggles:

  • 15% of realistic optimists are struggling with major or severe stress, compared to 24% of extreme optimists and 68% of pessimists.
  • 28% of realistic optimists have found themselves ruminating more, compared to 30% of extreme optimists and 83% of pessimists.
  • 24% of realistic optimists are experiencing anxiety or panic, compared to 32% of extreme optimists and 76% of pessimists.
  • 13% of realistic optimists are paranoid about getting sick or experiencing somatization/hypochondria, compared to 23% of extreme optimists and 62% of pessimists.
  • 25% of realistic optimists are experiencing profound sadness, compared to 36% of extreme optimists and 77% of pessimists.
  • Attitudes Toward COVID-19:

  • 74% of realistic optimists believe that if they take precautions, like washing their hands and keeping a proper physical distance, they can keep themselves safe, compared to 72% of extreme optimists and 28% of pessimists.
  • 1% of realistic optimists believe that there is no reason for an infected person to self-isolate if they are asymptomatic, compared to 52% of extreme optimists and 11% of pessimists. Along the same lines, 1% of realistic optimists believe that there is no reason for an infected person to self-isolate if they are young and healthy, compared to 57% of extreme optimists and 14% of pessimists.
  • 84% of realistic optimists believe that health is far more valuable than wealth, especially at this time, compared to 62% of extreme optimists and 67% of pessimists.
  • 6% of realistic optimists believe that hoarding food, supplies and medicine is the only way to survive, compared to 31% of extreme optimists and 20% of pessimists.
  • 60% of realistic optimists believe that information about the virus that is posted on social media should be taken with “a grain of salt,” compared to 42% of extreme optimists and 45% of pessimists.
  • Dealing with the Fallout of the Pandemic:

  • 61% of realistic optimists and extreme optimists believe that the economy will pick up as soon as the pandemic is over, compared to 21% of pessimists.
  • 82% of realistic optimists believe that the current circumstances will teach us how to deal with pandemics in the future, compared to 57% of extreme optimists and 41% of pessimists.
  • 74% of realistic optimists believe that they have been doing their best to help friends and family, and to be neighbourly, compared to 57% of extreme optimists and 49% of pessimists.
  • 2% of realistic optimists believe this pandemic is a sign of the end of the world and that humanity is doomed, compared to 23% of extreme optimists and 32% of pessimists.
  • Coping Strategies:

  • 60% of realistic optimists are taking time to relax and unwind, compared to 58% of extreme optimists and 25% of pessimists.
  • 78% of realistic optimists are revising their routines, making adjustments and believe they are adapting the best they can, given the circumstances, compared to 67% of extreme optimists and 23% of pessimists.
  • 64% of realistic optimists are using humour to get through this difficult time, compared to 59% of extreme optimists and 20% of pessimists.
  • 71% of realistic optimists said that they are striving to keep the current circumstances in perspective, compared to 56% of extreme optimists and 13% of pessimists.
  • 61% of realistic optimists said that they are focusing on the good in their life instead of the bad, compared to 63% of extreme optimists and 6% of pessimists.
  • 73% of realistic optimists said that they regularly remind themselves that things will eventually get better, compared to 68% of extreme optimists and 11% of pessimists.
  • 63% of realistic optimists said that, in spite of everything that has happened, they are making it a point to look for the silver lining, compared to 55% of extreme optimists and 5% of pessimists.
  • 71% of realistic optimists have an outlet to relieve their stress, such as exercise, mediation, mindfulness or talking things out, compared to 64% of extreme optimists and 29% of pessimists.
  • 54% of realistic optimists seek out advice from someone who can help, such as a therapist, financial adviser or other form of support, compared to 49% of extreme optimists and 31% of pessimists.
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