DAILY AFFECTIVE REACTIVITY ACROSS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE MODERATING ROLES OF POSITIVE AFFECT AND AGE
2024

Daily Emotions During COVID-19: How Age and Positive Feelings Help

publication

Author Information

Author(s): Nelson Niccole, Bergeman Cindy

Primary Institution: Colorado State University

Hypothesis

How do age and positive affect influence daily stress and emotions during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Conclusion

Older adults showed lower stress reactions and benefited more from positive emotions compared to younger adults during the pandemic.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults experienced less negative affect on stressful days compared to younger adults.
  • Positive affect helped reduce negative emotions on high-stress days.

Takeaway

This study found that older people handle stress better and feel happier on tough days when they have positive feelings.

Methodology

Data was collected through daily diaries over five 28-day periods, using multilevel modeling to analyze stress and affect.

Participant Demographics

Participants included older adults over 60 and younger adults, but specific demographics are not detailed.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2703

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