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Goals and Self-Efficacy Beliefs During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown: A Mixed Methods Analysis.
Laura Ritchie1, Daniel Cervone2, Benjamin T Sharpe3
1University of Chichester Conservatoire, University of Chichester, Chichester, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Psychology
|January 29, 2021
Summary
The COVID-19 crisis significantly lowered self-efficacy beliefs for personal goals. Many individuals doubted goal achievement or abandoned pursuits, yet continued to care about their objectives.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented unprecedented global challenges.
- Understanding the impact on individual goal pursuit and self-efficacy is crucial for mental well-being.
- Early lockdown phases significantly altered daily life and personal objectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the disruption of personal goal pursuits during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- To investigate changes in self-efficacy beliefs related to goal achievement.
- To understand the subjective importance of goals amidst global crises.
Main Methods:
- Online questionnaire administered to individuals affected by lockdown regulations.
- Quantitative and qualitative survey items measuring self-efficacy, goal caring, and pursuit.
- Data collected during a 10-day period in early April 2020.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in self-efficacy beliefs was observed from pre-pandemic to during the lockdown.
- Over two-thirds doubted or were unsure about achieving their goals under current conditions.
- More than a quarter abandoned or were uncertain about pursuing their goals, despite continued caring.
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 crisis substantially impacted individuals' ability to pursue personal goals.
- Self-efficacy beliefs were notably diminished, affecting goal continuation.
- Caring for goals persisted despite challenges, suggesting resilience and the need for coping strategies.
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