When Will the Lockdown End? Confinement Duration Forecasts and Self-Reported Life Satisfaction in Spain: A...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated unprecedented public health measures, including widespread lockdowns.
• Understanding the psychological impact of these restrictions on daily life satisfaction is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the longitudinal effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on self-reported life satisfaction in Spain.
• To explore factors influencing life satisfaction during the pandemic, such as lockdown duration forecasts and personality traits.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal study surveyed 1,131 adult subjects daily for 84 days (March 29-June 20, 2020).
• Participants reported daily life satisfaction and health state.
• Forecasts of lockdown end-dates were collected, with incentives for accuracy.

Main Results:

• Daily life satisfaction showed an increasing trend during the lockdown period.
• Individuals who predicted a longer lockdown duration reported higher average life satisfaction.
• While females reported lower average satisfaction, they showed a stronger positive correlation between longer lockdown forecasts and higher satisfaction.
• Personality traits significantly influenced life satisfaction: neuroticism negatively, while extraversion and agreeableness positively.

Conclusions:

• Lockdown duration expectations and personality traits are significant predictors of life satisfaction during crises.
• The findings offer insights into psychological adaptation during prolonged stressful societal events.
• Interventions aimed at managing expectations and leveraging personality strengths may mitigate negative psychological impacts during pandemics.