21.01.2021
The psychological and emotional state of Ukrainians in quarantine: January 2021
- A survey conducted by Rating Group recorded a decrease among respondents in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Levels of panic (which have remained low since the beginning of monitoring) and sleep disorders stayed relatively stable.
- Overall, the degree of negative emotional states among Ukrainians in early 2021, as well as their dynamics, does not raise concern. The decline in depression, anxiety, and fatigue is explained by the survey period (the winter holiday season), when public attention shifts toward a more optimistic and positive atmosphere — vacations, family gatherings, hopes and plans for the new year — as well as by people’s adaptation to pandemic-related lifestyle changes.
- Age. As in previous waves, emotional well-being declines with age. At the same time, anxiety levels remain relatively high across all age groups.
Among respondents aged 60+, symptoms of depression, sleep disorders, and fatigue are strongly expressed. This is driven by age-related physiological factors, fear for personal health, and their perception of the external situation during the pandemic. Younger people show fewer negative emotional states due to faster adaptation, behavioral flexibility, and better health.
Compared to spring 2020, all negative emotional indicators declined among young respondents (18–39). Depression, fatigue, and anxiety also decreased among those aged 40–59. Among the oldest group, improvement is noticeable only for fatigue, while other negative indicators remain high — largely due to their difficulty adjusting to change and heightened health risks. - Gender. Women, as in previous waves, demonstrate higher levels across all emotional indicators compared to men. Among men, indices of anxiety, fatigue, depression, and sleep disorders decreased. Among women, fatigue, anxiety, and depression also declined, but levels of sleep disorders and panic remained stable. The largest gender gaps appear in the 51+ group, and the smallest among respondents aged 36–50.
- Interpersonal communication with family and close relatives is high: 78% communicate often or constantly (48% constantly, 30% often). One in five communicates rarely, and only 1% does not communicate at all. High communication levels are observed across all ages. The older the respondent, the more likely they are to communicate constantly — reflecting shifts in social roles, loss of professional ties, and increased reliance on family. Women communicate with relatives more frequently than men, fulfilling the relational and emotional labor traditionally associated with their social role.
- Respondents also frequently communicate with friends and colleagues (32% constantly, 29% often). Communication declines at older ages, although it tends to increase steadily until around age 60. Men communicate with friends and colleagues more often than women, unlike in family communication, where women dominate.
- Lower levels of negative emotional states are characteristic of those who communicate more often with close contacts. Social interaction serves as a form of social capital — a resource that supports mental well-being, stabilizes mood, and helps prevent depression and anxiety.
- Happiness. A majority consider themselves rather happy than unhappy: 29% feel very happy (up from 19% in spring 2020), 50% somewhat happy, 17% not very happy, and 2% completely unhappy. Happiness declines with age as younger people typically demonstrate higher optimism, confidence, activity, and future orientation.
- Sixty-four percent believe that happiness depends primarily on a person’s internal state (down from 70% in April 2020). This decline likely reflects ongoing unfavorable external conditions, such as the pandemic. Meanwhile, 27% believe happiness depends on external circumstances. Women more often view happiness as an internal state, and the happier a respondent is, the more likely they are to agree with this. Nearly half of unhappy respondents believe happiness depends on external factors.
- Levels of happiness are inversely correlated with negative emotional states: the happier a respondent is, the lower their levels of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and panic. Happiness, characterized by positive emotions, activity, and life satisfaction, acts as a psychological buffer. Those who believe their happiness depends on themselves, rather than circumstances, are less prone to negative emotions due to higher emotional self-regulation, stability, and confidence in their own resources.
- COVID-19. Respondents who frequently follow coronavirus news exhibit higher levels of negative emotional states. Visualizing risks and the future heightens anxiety and fear; continuous exposure increases rumination and “contamination” by negative information.
- Among those who believe they have already contracted the virus, negative emotional indicators — especially fatigue, sleep disorders, and anxiety — are significantly higher. Negative emotional states are also stronger among those who fear getting sick or worry about the health of relatives. Fear functions not only as an emotion but also as a cognitive scenario that intensifies anxiety and panic.
Supporters of vaccination show slightly higher negative emotional indicators because this group contains more people who fear infection. Among supporters of lockdown restrictions, sleep disorders, panic, and fatigue levels are also higher — largely due to the older age composition of this group and their elevated fear of illness.
Methodology
- Sample population: 1,600 respondents aged 18 and older.
- The margin of error for the study with a confidence level of 0.95 is no more than 2.4%.
- Survey method: CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing). Based on a random sample of mobile phone numbers.
- Fieldwork dates: 14-16 January 2021.
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