National identification, a social cure for COVID-19? Evidence from 67 countries

Background: Social distancing and mass quarantines were implemented worldwide in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research has shown that such measures bear negative consequences for population mental health and well-being. Conversely, a growing body of evidence suggests that feeling...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of social psychiatry 2022-08, Vol.68 (5), p.1116-1126
Main Authors: Bonetto, Eric, Delouvée, Sylvain, Mahfud, Yara, Adam-Troian, Jais
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Belonging
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
Cure
Health status
Humans
Mental Health
National identity
Pandemics
Pandemics - prevention & control
Physical Distancing
Quarantine
Risk perception
Well being
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Summary:Background: Social distancing and mass quarantines were implemented worldwide in response to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Prior research has shown that such measures bear negative consequences for population mental health and well-being. Conversely, a growing body of evidence suggests that feeling positively identified with a group is associated with physical and mental health benefits. Aims: This study tested whether national identification could promote wellbeing and physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We used survey data conducted among 67 countries (N = 46,450). Results: Mixed-model analyses revealed that national identity was associated with wellbeing – despite adjustment on social belonging, COVID-19 perceived risk, exposure and ideology. This effect did not extend to physical health. Conclusions: These results suggest that the mere feeling of belonging to a national group may have mental health benefits. We discuss the implications of our findings within the social cure framework and their relevance for population mental health under COVID-19.
ISSN:0020-7640
1741-2854
DOI:10.1177/00207640211020036