Emotion regulation in times of pandemic: an exploratory study with a group of Brazilians

The strategies necessary to cope with the Covid19 pandemic required the adoption of social distancing measures that restricted the free movement of people and transformed social interactions, which, in significant part, became mediated by technologies. Added to this change with a strong psychosocial impact, the insecurity arising from the risk of contamination and inaccurate or incorrect information about the virus, the economic vulnerability, and the suffering caused by the illness or death of family members, produced a significant increase in psychological suffering and emotional reactions that triggered depression and anxiety attacks. Understanding emotion as a coordinated and flexible response system that can be regulated and a process that motivates and organizes cognition and action, it was sought to identify which emotional regulation strategies were used by Brazilians during the pandemic. A total of 463 Brazilians participated, answering an electronic form with 29 closed Likert-type items and an open-ended one: "Could you name the strategy you have used the most to cope with social isolation during the pandemic?". The sample was made up of 64.7% women, the majority with higher education or post-graduation, with diversified professional situations, and 83% living in Rio de Janeiro, despite other states responders. The results demonstrated that among the strategies most used by the participants are the distraction with TV and series. The most effective strategies for positive emotion regulation were talking to friends, exercise, relaxation, and meditation. However, therewas evident in people who perceived themselves as depressed and frustrated a decrease in studies and more regular use of social networks during the pandemic.