The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, and changing attitudes to life

Introduction:
The aim of this study was to assess the level of change in attitudes toward life that may have resulted from the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic. To the best of our knowledge, there is a lack of national studies conducted in large population-based samples linking the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic to positive changes demonstrating post-traumatic growth (PTG).

Material and methods:
A cross-sectional study conducted in Poland in March 2022 included 2050 adults (mean age 48.8 ±16.7 years). A questionnaire with 6 items on changes in self-perception and self-reported health, interpersonal relationships, and philosophy of life (Cronbach’s α 0.848) was used as a measure of PTG. Changes in the summary index (range 0-24) according to twenty factors in five areas were examined, and Cohen’s d coefficient was used as the effect size measure.

Results:
The total index was 17.34 ±4.50. Female gender and older age were associated with a higher prevalence of PTG (d = 0.254 and d = 0.364, respectively). High levels of PTG were noted among respondents who: isolated themselves from loved ones in order not to expose them to infection (18.84 ±3.79, d = 0.664), were religious and practicing (18.22 ±4.25, d = 0.584), frequently experienced anxiety (18.45 ±4.10, d = 0.562) and reported lack of closeness to another person as an effect of the pandemic (18.58 ±4.22, d = 0.517).

Conclusions:
While it cannot be denied that the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it dangers and traumas, the possibility of post-traumatic growth and beneficial changes following stressful situation cannot be overlooked.