Creative activity as a coping mechanism for the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study explored the use of creative activities as a coping mechanism for the COVID-19 pandemic. Students, as well as social media participants, were asked to describe some of the activities they undertook during the months of quarantine from February to August of 2020. It was expected that individuals who actively participated in creative tasks, such as painting, yoga, or writing, would exhibit greater resilience to the negative effects of social isolation. An online survey was administered to participants both at a university and in the community. Participants assessed their emotional state two weeks prior to participating in the study, described a creative activity they did, the motivation behind choosing it, how it made them feel, as well as their attitudes toward the pandemic. Participants feeling the most adverse effects of COVID-19 turned to creative activities as an outlet for their negative emotions. This finding indicates that creativity may have therapeutic effects for individuals struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic. A positive correlation was found between a positive outlook towards the pandemic and both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for choosing the activity, resulting in greater commitment to the activity.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• pandemic
• creativity
• coping
• mental health
• isolation

References

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