Rhythms of the day: How electronic media and daily routines influence mood during COVID‐19 pandemic. Issue 2 (16th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zubek, Julian; Ziembowicz, Karolina; Pokropski, Marek; Gwiaździński, Paweł; Denkiewicz, Michał; Boros, Anna
• Is Part Of: Applied psychology. Volume 14:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 519
• Page End: 536
• Publication Date: 2021-11-16
• Subjects: COVID‐19 -- daily routines -- ecological momentary assessment -- infodemic -- mood -- social distancing; Psychology, Applied -- Periodicals; Well-being -- Periodicals; Clinical health psychology -- Periodicals; Health -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Psychology, Applied -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Psychologie appliquée -- Périodiques; Bien-être -- Périodiques; 616.0019
• DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-0846

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to investigate how daily activities affect mood in the context of social distancing guidelines enforced during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Using Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) administered four times a day during a 2‐week period, we asked participants ( N = 91) about their mood and the activities they engaged in. Seven individuals were selected for a follow‐up, open‐ended questionnaire. Results show that a stable routine, including physical exercise, hobbies, regular sleep hours, and minimal time spent in front of the computer, helps maintain a good mood. Coping strategies such as planning and scheduling help keep routines and circadian rhythms stable. Face‐to‐face contact is associated with a more positive mood, while similar interaction through electronic communication has a less positive effect. We observe an effect related to the infodemic phenomenon: Daily reports on COVID‐19 cases and deaths affect mood fluctuations. This is an important consideration in shaping public information policies.