Table of Contents
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on individuals worldwide, affecting various aspects of their lives. From an economic, social, and psychological standpoint, the pandemic has posed challenges and disrupts our normal routines (Akbulaev et al., 2020; Li & Mutchler, 2020; Patterson et al., 2021; Best et al., 2021). Additionally, the pandemic can be considered a global ecological disaster. As we continue to navigate through this ongoing crisis, it is crucial that we focus on maintaining our physical and mental well-being to achieve happiness.
Mindfulness and its Role in Well-being
Mindfulness, a state of conscious awareness focused on the present moment, can help individuals cope with negative situations and develop healthy mental processes (Csikszentmihalyi, 1997; Garland et al., 2015). By observing one’s thoughts, feelings, and senses without judgment, mindfulness allows individuals to strengthen their mental capacity and achieve a more balanced state of being (Hollis-Walker & Colosimo, 2010; Coo & Salanova, 2018; Crowley et al., 2020). Positive emotions such as kindness, love, and joy are also cultivated through mindfulness, which plays a pivotal role in overcoming pain (Hanh, 2006). During the pandemic, as individuals focused on maintaining cleanliness and social distancing, their mindfulness processes fluctuated. Adapting to these changes while dealing with physical threats required individuals to draw upon their mindfulness skills.
Multiple studies have highlighted the positive relationship between mindfulness and subjective happiness (Coo & Salanova, 2018; Loureiro et al., 2019; Rowland et al., 2020). Researchers have also identified variables such as self-compassion, creative engagement, meaning in life, purpose in life, behavioral activation, emotional stability, and self-esteem as mediators between mindfulness and subjective happiness (Crego et al., 2021; Khan & Abbas, 2022). In this study, we aim to investigate if hope, another variable, serves as a mediator between mindfulness and subjective happiness during the pandemic.
The Role of Hope in Well-being
Hope is the belief in one’s ability to determine a path towards their goals and exert the necessary effort and motivation to achieve them (Snyder, 2000). Hopeful individuals are capable of creating alternate solutions to reach their goals and are motivated to do so (Snyder, 2002). They can manage adversity and choose positive emotions that make them feel alive, competent, and creative (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Such characteristics align with emotion regulation, an important correlate of mindfulness (Burzler et al., 2019). Hope has been identified as a source of well-being, particularly in the face of risk factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic (Counted et al., 2022).
Previous studies have established significant relationships between mindfulness and hope (Sariçam, 2015). Reduced levels of mindfulness have also been associated with hopelessness (Sariçali et al., 2021). Additionally, interventions based on cognitive awareness have been found to increase levels of hope among individuals with various health problems (Astuti et al., 2020; Ebrahimi et al., 2019; Munoz et al., 2018). Studies have further demonstrated that increased hope is correlated with higher levels of happiness (Nasiri & Joukar, 2008; Sariçam, 2015). Given these findings, we aim to explore whether hope acts as a mediator between mindfulness and subjective happiness during the pandemic.
Research Methodology
To examine the hypotheses, we conducted a longitudinal study during the pandemic. We collected data from 254 participants in Turkey using the Subjective Happiness Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and Dispositional Hope Scale. Two waves of surveys were conducted within a three-month interval. The first survey was completed on October 8, 2021, and the second survey was completed on January 14, 2022. The final sample consisted of undergraduate students from various provinces in Turkey.
Results and Discussion
Results of the study showed that mindfulness had a strengthening effect on subjective happiness three months later, mediated by hope. These findings emphasize the importance of mindfulness and hope in promoting subjective happiness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges and continues to impact various aspects of our lives. While it is difficult to fully comprehend the extent of its effects, it is crucial that we prioritize our well-being and strive for happiness. Mindfulness and hope play critical roles in achieving subjective happiness during this challenging period. By cultivating mindfulness and maintaining hope, individuals can navigate the uncertainties of the pandemic and adapt to the changes in their lives.
