Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 23, 2025
04:20
Social Isolation Model: A Noninvasive Rodent Model of Stress and Anxiety
Published on: November 11, 2022
4.6K
Ecological Model Explaining the Psychosocial Adaptation to COVID-19
Tânia Gaspar1,2,3,4, Teresa Paiva1,3,4, Margarida Gaspar Matos1,3,5
1Sleep Medicine Center-CENC, 1070-068 Lisbon, Portugal.
Summary
This study found that better adjustment and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic were linked to factors like male gender, higher education, and healthier lifestyles. Positive lockdown experiences and less sadness also contributed to improved well-being.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global mental health and individual adjustment.
- Understanding the multifaceted factors influencing adaptation is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the adoption of an ecological perspective on health.
- To identify physical, psychological, social, and contextual factors influencing adjustment and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with 5479 participants (aged 18-90).
- Data collected on socio-demographics, health, lifestyle, lockdown experiences, and place of residence.
- Analysis of factors influencing mental health and adjustment.
Main Results:
- Better adaptation and mental health were associated with male gender, higher education, lower psychological distress (sadness, nervousness, burnout), and stable health.
- Positive lifestyle factors included better sleep, physical activity, lower processed food intake, and reduced dependence on alcohol, TV, and social networks.
- A positive lockdown experience and specific demographic factors influenced outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Mental health and adjustment during the pandemic are influenced by a complex interplay of individual, lifestyle, and contextual factors.
- An ecological perspective and multi-target interventions addressing physical, mental, and social health are necessary for promoting well-being.
- Findings highlight the need for tailored support considering gender and age-specific differences.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Natural Selection and Adaptation
669
Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations,...
Beyond physical adaptations,...
669
01:18Models of Health Promotion and Illness Prevention II
1.7K
The person's health status fluctuates continually, varying from being in good health to becoming ill and returning to being healthy. To understand the concept of illness prevention, there are two models. First, the health-illness continuum model is a graphic representation of an individual's wellness. It states that a person is considered healthy in the absence of physical disease and the presence of good emotional health.
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
The agent-host-environment model states that disease results...
1.7K
01:29Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder
359
The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
359
01:20Psychological Responses to Stress
118
Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
118
01:27Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
237
Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
237
01:28Causes of Social Behavior III: Biological and Environmental Influences
6
Social behavior is a complex phenomenon that arises from the interaction between biological predispositions and environmental influences. This intricate interplay shapes how individuals think, feel, and act in various social contexts. Understanding these mechanisms requires insights from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, and evolutionary theory.Environmental Influences on Social BehaviorEnvironmental factors, including temperature, odors, and visual stimuli, play a crucial role in shaping...
6