The 8 psychological effects of the pandemic on the personal and professional level

These are the psychological alterations favored by the coronavirus crisis.

In a very short time, the coronavirus crisis has transformed the functioning of societies and, consequently, also that of the people who make up that society.

Therefore, in this article you will find a summary of the psychological implications of the pandemicThe effects of the pandemic on personal life and those that mainly affect the professional sphere.

The psychological effects of the COVID-19 crisis on private life and work.

Here we will review the main types of psychological problems that can be facilitated by the pandemic context.

Effects at the personal level

The psychological effects of the COVID-19 crisis on private life are the most varied, but most of them can be classified into the following categories.

1. Discomfort due to social isolation

It appears that the segment of the population that has suffered most from the emotional impact of the pandemic is young adults; among this age group, more problems of unhappiness and depressive symptoms have emerged, which possibly has to do with the way in which the restrictions have interfered with their social life (especially intense and diverse in this age group). (especially intense and diverse at this stage of adulthood).

However, the tendency towards a lifestyle more inclined towards social isolation is capable of affecting all types of profiles emotionally. If we add to this the fact that loneliness is statistically associated with the adoption of unhealthy habits and the appearance of depressive symptoms in the medium and long term, the implications this has on the mental health of the population are worrying.

2. Ideological polarization and tension

In crisis situations such as the one triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, social polarization is often exacerbated. It is not surprising, therefore, that a certain level of tension arises from disagreements about what to do about the virus, and about the position to adopt in the dilemma between giving priority to the virus and the need to prevent it. the dilemma between individualistic values and collective values..

There are even cases such as those of the Swedish epidemiologist Jonas F. Ludvigsson, who was forced to quit his job and his participation in COVID-19 discussions due to the avalanche of criticism and forms of harassment he suffered as a result of the rejection that many people felt for the results of his coronavirus research. This sense of social pressure means that something as simple as expressing an opinion on the management of the pandemic or even asserting one's own interests is seen as a potential source of anxiety.

3. Anxiety due to economic instability

When we feel more vulnerable, we are more likely to develop a heightened state of anxiety. If this remains high for long periods of time, psychological alterations appear that damage us emotionally.

4. Fear for one's own physical integrity and that of loved ones.

The fear of catching or spreading the disease can linger for months, taking a toll on one's mental health and contributing to stress and anxiety that continue to lead to problems through a chain effect: concentration problems, lack of sleep, irritability, etc. and contributes to stress and anxiety continuing to lead to problems through a chain effect: concentration problems, lack of sleep, irritability, etc.

5. Ease of falling into self-abandonment.

The combination of anxiety and loss of social life leads many people to give up habits of hygiene and proper nutrition: the incentives to have a good image and keep in shape diminish and the need to relieve discomfort through binge eating, leisure habits that can be done passively and without effort, etc., becomes a priority.

Effects at the professional level

With regard to work and professional careers, the following psychological effects are noteworthy.

Uncertainty about the future of work

In addition to the fear of losing the source of income, there is the uncertainty about what to do in order not to find oneself in a situation of economic vulnerability. This may take the form of psychological ruminationIntrusive thoughts about what we are worried about or about the decision we have to make and that we put off again and again.

2. Problems concentrating

It is very difficult to focus on the here and now if in the back of our mind we notice a multitude of reasons to be worried. Because of this, work performance decreases and new problems appear and accumulate..

3. Appearance of a more tense work environment

Contexts of economic crisis favor the emergence of work climates in which work climates in which hyper-competitiveness and the fear of being left with nothing in the short or medium term prevail.This, in turn, predisposes to conflicts between workers or partners.

Are you looking for psychological assistance services?

If you want to have the professional support of a team of psychologists, contact us.

At UPAD Psychology and Coaching we offer help with emotional problems related to private life and personal relationships, as well as with psychologically demanding professional projects: preparation for competitive examinations, establishment of work routines, improvement of work or sports performance, etc. In addition, we work both through face-to-face sessions in our center located in Madrid and through the modality of online therapy by video call.

Bibliographical references:

• Bertrand, L.; Shaw, K.A.; Ko, J.; Deprez, D.; Chilibeck, P.D.; Zello, G.A. (2021). The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on university students’ dietary intake, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 46(3): 265 - 272.
• Brandt, A.M. & Rozin, P. (1997). Morality and Health: Interdisciplinary Perspectives. Abingdon-on-Thames: Routledge.
• Towner, E.; Ladensack, D.; Chu, K.; Callaghan, B. (2021). Welcome to My Zoom Party - Virtual Social Interaction, Loneliness, and Well-Being Among Emerging Adults Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. PsyArXiv https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/2ghtd