PSYCHOLOGY EFFECTS OF SElF - ISOLATION DURING COVID-19

PANDEMIC

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A Research Proposal Presented to the faculty of the Senior High School Department
Vicente D. Trinidad National Hig School

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In Partial fulfillment
Of the requirements for
Practical Research II

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By

Karylle Cordova
Reymalyn Darauay
Raven Asuncion
Mark Anthony Bancud

January 2024
 CHAPTER 1

Introduction

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is, in many ways, unique. Compared to the previous
worldwide pandemic, the Spanish flu , the world has changed significantly. Worldwide trade, travelling,
global movement, and the rate at which information is being shared over the internet have all increased
drastically. Via the internet, people have access to practically an endless stream of information regarding
the new emerging pandemic threat, COVID-19. Through social media, people have shared news articles as
well as their own experiences about the pandemic situation, allowing instant access to the latest global
developments.

Although the vast amount of online data can be useful for artificial intelligence and machine learning
algorithms, it can be difficult for individuals to grasp and conceptualize. We envision two main problems
that can emerge from excessive internet use during a worldwide pandemic such as COVID-19
cyberchondria, which is defined as obsessive online searching for health-related information, typically
about specific symptoms and information overload, a condition in which one cannot process all the
communications and informational inputs, and as a result, the information gathering process is terminated,
or the whole process remains ineffective [4]. Both cyberchondria and information overload have been
found to weaken human cognitive reasoning .

In this study, we investigate how these two factors, cyberchondria and information overload, impact an
individual’s self-isolation intention during the COVID-19 pandemic. We use the protection motivation
theory to identify intermediate constructs in between cyberchondria and information overload, and self-
isolation intention. We theorized the relationships between these constructs based on previous studies and
formulated a research model. To test the model, we used survey data from Finnish participants (N=225) and
analyzed the data using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. This was followed by a post hoc
analysis regarding the impact of using social media as an information source and living alone. After
presenting the results, we describe the theoretical and practical implications of our findings, followed by
the limitations and future work. In the end, we provide our conclusions

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:

1.What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:
1.1age
1.2 gender
1.3 occupation
1.4 no. of day of self-isolation

2.What is the Psychological effects of isolation during the COVID 19 pandemic ?

3. Is there a significant difference in the Psychological effects of isolation during the COVID 19 pandemic
when grouped according to the profile variables?

PARADISM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to investigate how the overwhelming amount of information available during the COVID-
19 pandemic, including quarantines, movement restrictions, and social distancing measures, impacts public
behavior. It also seeks to understand how the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) can explain individuals'
motivations to adopt these health measures. Specifically, the study will focus on danger assessment
(perception of seriousness and vulnerability) and coping evaluation (response costs, self-efficacy, and
response efficacy) as key components of the PMT.

Ouput Input. Process

I. Profile of the participants

I. Age In depth interview
ii. Gender
iii. Occupation
iv. no. of day of self isolation
v. Isolation facility

II. What is the phycology effect

of isolation during the COVID-
19 pandemic Survey
.
III. Is there a significant
difference in the phycological
effects of isolation during the
COVID-19 pandemic when
grouped according the profile
variables. Data analysis

Feedback

Research Goals:

1. Examine the influence of information overload on the public's response to COVID-19 measures.
2. Assess the prevalence of information overload and its impact on public behavior.
3. Investigate the role of the PMT in understanding individuals' motivations for adopting preventive
measures.
4. Analyze the components of danger assessment (seriousness perception, vulnerability perception, and
perception of friends' vulnerability) in relation to public response.
5. Explore the relationship between coping appraisal components (response costs, self-efficacy, and
response efficacy) and public behavior during the pandemic.

Significance:
This research will contribute to our understanding of how information overload affects public behavior
during a global pandemic. By using the PMT, it will shed light on the factors that motivate individuals to
embrace health measures like self-isolation. The findings will inform policymakers, health organizations,
and communication platforms in designing effective strategies to disseminate information and promote
adherence to preventive measures. Additionally, it will add to existing literature on information overload,
public health communication, and behavior change theories within the context of global pandemics.

Scope and delimitation

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on population mental health are unknown. We need to understand
the scale of any such impact in different sections of the population, who is most affected and how best to
mitigate, prevent and treat any excess morbidity. We propose a coordinated and interdisciplinary mental
health science response.
It is self-evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has profound consequences for individuals and societies.
Most research has understandably been focused on understanding the dynamics of the pandemic and the
biology of the infection in order to develop diagnostics, vaccines and treatments. However, we know that,
with time, the current spike of infections will pass. There will be headline mortality figures and infection
rates, lessons learned about emergency preparedness, debates about the merits of competing strategies to
control the infection, but as the rate of new infections continues to slow, schools will reopen and some
semblance of normality will return. However, the impact of the pandemic on human health is likely to be
felt for much longer than the first wave of severe illness and death.

Chapter 2

Review of related literature

According to Pe’er & Mor (2022) on their study named “Previous trauma exposure and self-mastery as
moderators of psychiatric effects of home isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic: a field study”, limiting
contagion during the Covid-19 pandemic has necessitated employment of drastic measures ranging from
complete lockdown to home isolation and quarantines. Their study examined the psychiatric effects of
home isolation, the effects of interacting previous traumatic events and the moderating effect of self-
mastery as a resilience factor that could mitigate negative effects. Findings showed positive relations
between strictness of home isolation adherence and psychiatric symptoms, and between previous trauma
exposure and psychiatric symptoms. A negative relation between self-mastery and psychiatric symptoms
emerged. During home isolation, effects of previous trauma exposure on psychiatric symptoms was
moderated by self-mastery. Individuals with high self-mastery showed less psychiatric symptoms than
those with low self-mastery, at both high and low levels of previous trauma exposure.

Isolation amongst, gave trauma and anxiety to people who underwent covid-isolation. The COVID-19
pandemic and restrictions imposed to contain it have in many ways adversely affected our daily
functioning, with self-isolation and lockdown having a particularly damaging effect on mental health. This
situation has caused different physical, psychological, and social manifestations on an individual, group,
and social level. Individuals are experiencing anxiety, fear, panic, or paranoia, while communities and
society are experiencing a crisis, with authorities desperately searching for appropriate responses. Both
individuals and society as a whole are facing trauma. (List & Med, 2020)
 Conceptual Literature:

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the implementation of self-isolation and quarantine measures
worldwide, including in the Philippines. This conceptual review aims to explore the psychological effects
of these measures on the Filipino population.

1. Psychological Distress: Self-isolation can lead to psychological distress, characterized by feelings of

sadness, anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. The uncertainty and fear associated with the
pandemic, coupled with the lack of social interaction, can exacerbate these feelings (Brooks et al., 2020).

2. Loneliness and Social Isolation: Prolonged self-isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and social
isolation. The lack of face-to-face interaction with friends, family, and colleagues can negatively impact
mental health and well-being (Loades et al., 2020).

3. Stress and Anxiety: The pandemic has created a stressful environment, with individuals worrying about
their health, the health of loved ones, and economic stability. This stress, heightened by self-isolation, can
lead to anxiety disorders (Pfefferbaum & North, 2020).

4. Depression: The isolation and the disruption of normal routines can lead to depressive symptoms.
Individuals may feel hopeless and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed (Ettman et al., 2020).

5. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Some individuals may experience PTSD symptoms due to the
traumatic nature of the pandemic and the drastic changes in lifestyle caused by self-isolation (Liu et al.,
2020).

6. Resilience and Coping Mechanisms: Despite the negative psychological effects, some individuals may
exhibit resilience and develop coping mechanisms to deal with the stress of the pandemic and self-isolation.
Understanding these mechanisms can provide insights into how to mitigate the negative psychological
effects (Southwick et al., 2014).

This conceptual review provides a framework for understanding the psychological effects of self-isolation
during the COVID-19 pandemic among the Filipino population. Further empirical research is needed to
validate these concepts and develop interventions to support mental health during this challenging time.

Chapter3

Methodology