Evolution of mood states during the Covid-19 pandemic in Spain and its impact on happiness

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the subject of multiple analyses from various points ofview. An aspect that attracts special attention is the influence on emotional states, individuals' happiness, and its impact on expectations, habits, and attitudes at alllevels. However, few studies analyse the evolution ofthese aspects at different times of the pandemic and link them with the situational context of the analysis. It would allow us to take stock ofpeople's emotional states and the pandemic's impact on happiness. This article collects the results of 4 waves of surveys carried out at critical moments of the pandemic from the beginning until November 2021, when normality was almost restored. The analysis allows us to conclude that the emotional states have be en varying in line with the circumstances of each moment, the worst being that ofthe reactivation ofthe pandemic after the summer of2020. The general mood has improved a lot in November 2021, in a more favourable general context. It is evident in a majority group of people with above-average happiness leveis and a predominance of positive emotions over negative ones. An influential group of people is also identified. More than 17% of the total are especially vulnerable emotionally because ofthe situation, with low levels ofhappiness, minimal presence ofpositive emotions, and powerful negative emotions. It forces us to consider this issue as a priority in terms ofpublic policies to monitor and mitigate the effects ofthe pandemic on the emotional states of individuals.