Psychological Well-Being of Women in Poland during two Waves of the Pandemic

DOI: https://doi.org/10.35765/pk.2024.4502.29
Keywords: pandemic COVID-19, women, well-being, optimism, life satisfaction

Abstract

The aim of our study was to describe the psychological well-being of women in Poland during the two waves of COVID-19 pandemic. In this cross-sectional study we used standardized tools to assess mood, emotions, optimism and satisfaction with life of the respondents. A questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data and data related to current concerns was also developed and used. The study was conducted twice: in 2020/2021 (T1) and 2021/2022 (T2) in two different, but corresponding groups of women (T1: 352; T2: 372) in terms of demographic variables. The strongest stressors for Polish women in both measurements were associated with difficulties in access to health service, political climate in Poland and the health of loved ones. The mood was negative in both measurements compared to pre-pandemic normative data. Deterioration in emotions was particularly pronounced in the case of negative affect. The distribution of the results in optimism and satisfaction with life was much more balanced and similar to the pre-pandemic norms. No significant differences were found between the two measurements. The results show that the increase in negative emotions does not have to be accompanied by the deterioration of such traits as optimism and satisfaction with life. Thus, the results show the areas that should be covered by support, and the areas that are resources that can be used for this purpose.

Author Biographies

Irmina Rostek, Uniwersytet Ignatianum w Krakowie

PhD in psychology, lecturer at the Ignatianum University in Krakow. The area of her scientific and professional interests focuses on human life span development. She takes part in international projects supporting the development of preschool children. During the COVID-19 pandemic she was involved in research – both quantitative and qualitative – on the psychological well-being of Poles.

Estera Twardowska-Staszek, Uniwersytet Ignatianum w Krakowie

PhD in psychology, psychotherapist, sexologist, lecturer at the Ignatianum University in Krakow. The area of her scientific and professional interests focuses on the person, in the context of normal and impaired psychosocial functioning. She participated, among others, in an international research project on bullying and cyberbullying among children and adolescents and a research project on the well-being of Poles during the pandemic.

Krzysztof Biel, Uniwersytet Ignatianum w Krakowie

PhD in pedagogy. His research interests focus on issues of social resocialization pedagogy. Currently, he is the Head of the Department of Resocialization Pedagogy at the Ignatianum University in Krakow and the Rector’s Delegate for international affairs. He is the author of numerous scientific publications, recently, among others: Zrozumieć odstąpienie od przestępczości. Definicje, teorie i kierunki badań empirycznych.

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Published
2023-11-19
How to Cite
[1]
Rostek, I., Twardowska-Staszek , E. and Biel, K. 2023. Psychological Well-Being of Women in Poland during two Waves of the Pandemic. Perspectives on Culture. 45, 2 (Nov. 2023), 405-418. DOI:https://doi.org/10.35765/pk.2024.4502.29.
Issue
Vol. 45 No. 2 (2024): Transformations: Time in Culture, Literature, and Language
Section
Varia

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