Eric Bonetto1,2,3, Sylvain Delouvée4, Yara Mahfud5, Jais Adam-Troian6. 1. Aix Marseille University, LPS, Aix-en-Provence, France. 2. Aix Marseille University, PSYCLE (Center for Research on the Psychology of Cognition, Language and Emotion), Aix-en-Provence, France. 3. Institute of Creativity and Innovation of Aix-Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, France. 4. University Rennes, LP3C (Laboratoire de Psychologie : Cognition, Comportement, Communication) - EA 1285, Rennes, France. 5. Paris 5 University, France. 6. American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Social distancing and mass quarantines were implemented worldwide in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research has shown that such measures bear negative consequences for population mental health and well-being. Conversely, a growing body of evidence suggests that feeling positively identified with a group is associated with physical and mental health benefits. AIMS: This study tested whether national identification could promote wellbeing and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: We used survey data conducted among 67 countries (N = 46,450). RESULTS: Mixed-model analyses revealed that national identity was associated with wellbeing - despite adjustment on social belonging, COVID-19 perceived risk, exposure and ideology. This effect did not extend to physical health. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the mere feeling of belonging to a national group may have mental health benefits. We discuss the implications of our findings within the social cure framework and their relevance for population mental health under COVID-19.
BACKGROUND: Social distancing and mass quarantines were implemented worldwide in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research has shown that such measures bear negative consequences for population mental health and well-being. Conversely, a growing body of evidence suggests that feeling positively identified with a group is associated with physical and mental health benefits. AIMS: This study tested whether national identification could promote wellbeing and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: We used survey data conducted among 67 countries (N = 46,450). RESULTS: Mixed-model analyses revealed that national identity was associated with wellbeing - despite adjustment on social belonging, COVID-19 perceived risk, exposure and ideology. This effect did not extend to physical health. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the mere feeling of belonging to a national group may have mental health benefits. We discuss the implications of our findings within the social cure framework and their relevance for population mental health under COVID-19.
Entities:
Keywords:
COVID-19; national identity; public health; social belonging; social cure
Authors: Anna Rita Graziani; Lucia Botindari; Michela Menegatti; Silvia Moscatelli Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-07 Impact factor: 4.614