Subjective Well-Being in Early Adulthood and Psychological Distance to the Objects of the Socio-Psychological Space during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective. Study of changes in the young people subjective well-being during the initial period of COVID-19 distribution and its relationship with the subjective distance to the objects of the socio-psychological space of the individual. Background. The COVID-19 pandemic has become one of the global challenges in 2020, creating obstacles to meeting the urgent needs of people. Young people aged 18—24 are one of the most vulnerable groups in terms of psychological well-being, which makes it important to study their reactions during the pandemic. Study design. The study was conducted from April 14 to June 16, 2020 in the Khabarovsk region. Data was collected remotely. To identify changes during the pandemic, the sample data was compared with the results of a study, which had been conducted in February 2019. Participants. Sample 2019: 139 subjects (45 males and 94 females, aged 18—24, M=20). Sample 2020: 130 subjects (40 males and 90 females, aged 18—24, M=19.5). Measurements. The subjective well-being of young people was measured on a scale of global life satisfaction and subjective happiness. To study the psychological distance of social contacts, a modified method of A.B. Kupreichenko was used. Results. The significant increase in life satisfaction among young people was registered. Under the pandemic conditions, increased satisfaction is associated with proximity to a wide range of social groups. Сonclusions. The subjective well-being in early adulthood during the pandemic is associated with focus on social contacts, which creates conditions for the effective use of internal and external resources.