Negative and Positive Emotions of Individuals Worldwide During COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract: The mental health of individuals has received widespread attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is still a lack of unified explanations for the emotional responses of different countries and regions during the pandemic. Therefore, this study analyzed the changes in negative and positive emotions among people from different countries during the epidemic from a cross-cultural perspective. This study found that people experienced higher levels of anxiety, depression and loneliness during the quarantine period than before the pandemic. Studies reveal that the imposition of quarantine restrictions has made mental health issues worse by restricting social interactions and elevating emotions of despair and dissatisfaction. Despite the increase in negative emotions, the study also found that people during the epidemic promoted positive emotions in a number of ways. Prior studies suggest that engaging in prosocial behaviorssuch as helping otherscan enhance individuals' emotional well-being. Moreover, physical activity (PA) and mindfulness meditation have been identified as effective strategies for mitigating NE and fostering PE.This study explores the situation of individual emotional responses globally and provides theoretical support for the management of future public health crises.