How time perspective, personality, and morningness contributed to psychological well-being during the Coronavirus lockdown

Abstract

The exceptionality of the Coronavirus-related quarantines motivated the design of a longitudinal study aimed at exploring how the confinement can affect psychological well-being. 205 participants (81% female) took part in the study. Personality, time perspective, and morningness were assessed at the beginning of the quarantine, along with levels of depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with life as mood and well-being indicators. A post measure was taken 2 weeks after the first data collection. Two weeks later, a supplementary follow-up measure was performed again. A significant increase in depression and anxiety was found between pre and post measures that remained stable at follow up, whereas life satisfaction was not affected. Past-negative temporal orientation and neuroticism were the highest risk factors for a decline in psychological well-being. Results are discussed in terms of how individual differences should be considered in assessing citizens’ response to public health policies regarding isolation measures.