Correlation Between Lack of Psychological Distance & Adolescent Romanticization of COVID-19 Pandemic
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v12i4.5719Keywords:
Psychological Distance, COVID-19, Adolescent, Romanticize, Romanticization, PandemicAbstract
Based on the assumed inverse implications of exercising psychological distance, the existing body of knowledge concludes that not exercising psychological distance correlates with the romanticization of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to determine the extent of this correlation. Data was collected from January to February 2023 using an anonymous online survey that took a primarily quantitative approach but included qualitative questions. Respondents were asked questions relating to facts about the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to their personal experiences during that time. The survey yielded 174 responses from a variety of demographics. The results aligned with the hypotheses and the existing body of knowledge, showing a positive correlation between not exercising psychological distance and romanticizing the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the results showed that not exercising psychological distance can negatively affect adolescents. This study further revealed the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents, allowing these effects to be remedied and avoided in other mentally distressing situations. Future research should be conducted on the correlation of the research variables with other variables, the use of romanticization as a coping mechanism, and the application of this study’s results to other demographics.
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