New Delhi: People who give up on long-term aspirations during a pandemic are better able to prevent anxiety and depression, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of Waterloo wanted to look at the relationship between COVID-frozen goals (goals whose progress has been stalled due to COVID-19) and psychological well-being.
“Typically, when we think about goal attainment and maximizing well-being, we focus on how to be more dedicated and engaged with our goals,” said Professor of Psychology and Motivational Social Cognition at Waterloo. In Canada Research Chair Abigail Scholar said. “Our findings suggest that being able to let go of aspirations, especially during COVID, is an important aspect of maintaining mental health.”
Study lead author Candice Hubley and Scholar, a PhD candidate in psychology at Waterloo, selected 226 people to investigate the link between psychological well-being and goal pursuit. Participants were asked about their psychological anguish and life satisfaction, as well as moving forward in general and about COVID-frozen goals.
Researchers found that COVID-frozen motives were associated with poorer well-being: the more people they had, the more psychological distress, such as stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety.
The researchers also noted that how people engage with their goals has a significant impact on their well-being.
“Target rumor is compulsive and can increase fear and despair while depleting mental resources from other motives,” Hubley explained. “We hope that people can apply these findings to their own lives by taking the time to review and participate with their goals.”
Hubli says that dissolution is not an all-or-nothing proposition and that we sometimes give up one kind of participation but not the other. Individuals set themselves up to have a stronger relationship with their goals and improve psychological well-being by letting go of impossible ambitions and turning to attempts at alternative goals.
The researchers intend to build on their findings and hope that their work can aid in future interventions aimed at helping individuals be more resilient in their pursuit of well-being.