Individual in the grip of Covid-19: psychological consequences of the epidemic and protective measures to contain the spread of infection

Epidemics that have occurred in the past have already shown that they can severely affect people's daily lives and health (Cénat et al., 2020), but these consequences were limited to a small population. This epidemic of Covid-19 disease developed into a pandemic, during which numerous preventive protective measures were taken to contain the spread of the disease, including in Slovenia. In addition, there have been many changes in the daily lives of residents that have affected various aspects of their lives such as relationships, mental health, and other psychosocial aspects. However, this new reality has been in place for some time, so dealing with it requires significantly more of an individual's resources than dealing with short-term crisis situations. In the proposed project, we plan to conduct a broad and at the same time in-depth investigation of the (long-term) psychological and psychosocial consequences of the epidemic and the preventive protective measures introduced. We will focus on the general population, as all inhabitants of Slovenia were exposed to the epidemic. At the same time, we will also focus on specific vulnerable groups that may face various problems due to the many changes. The project includes the following work package: WP1 Organizational and administrative support in the implementation of the project activities and the scheduling of work tasks between the partners and researchers involved. WP2 An Advisory Committee will be established, in order for experts and lay people from different fields to support the project activities. WP3 Theoretical base for the study will be prepared that will frame the project activities. WP4 Quantitative study will examine the psychological impacts of the epidemic and protective measures on general population. Because changes have occurred in several domains of life, we will use self-assessment questionnaires to examine participants' changes of everyday, mental health and suicidality, interpersonal relationships, psychological strenghts, and perceptions of the future. Changes in these areas will be monitored at multiple time points and analysed with the method of interrupted time series regression. WP5 In the qualitative part of the study we aim to understand people's experiences and reactions during an epidemic. As this may be different for vulnerable groups, the WP5 will focus on these. We will use interviews, diary studies or focus groups to gather deeper understanding and specific qualities of experience of children and adolescents, young adults, the adult working population and elderly. WP6 Data analysis will follow the principle of convergent integration of research methods, bringing together data from quantitative and qualitative studies to provide a comprehensive insight into the long-term psychological consequences of the epidemic. WP7 Based on the results of the project, we will design two types of interventions tailored to people in Slovenia, namely information materials and stories (storrytelling method). We will not only support people during an epidemic, but also give them a more empowering perspective on tthe crisis situations. WP8 We will disseminate the results to the scientific as well as the professional and general public. We will inform professionals by publishing scientific and professional articles and delivering presentations at various congresses, conferences and seminars, both nationally and internationally. We will present the results of the study to the general public in the form of stories and other informational materials that provide guidelines for dealing with problems during epidemics and other crisis situations.