The role of ego-resilience in a group of Polish men during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction and objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on peoples’ mental health. The literature is abundant with studies describing levels of aggression, anxiety, and alcohol consumption during 2020–2021. However, it is noteworthy that little attention has been paid to the responses of men to the pandemic. The aim of this study was to assess adaptive abilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic among a group of Polish men. Particular focus was placed on the role of ego-resiliency. Materials and methods: The study utilised an online survey conducted in two periods: 24 April to 8 May 2020 and 5 February to 6 March 2022. Participants included 125 men aged 18–66 in the first period and 136 men aged 18–57 in the second period. The survey included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Ego-Resiliency Scale. Results: In the second phase of the study, anxiety showed a stronger negative correlation with ego-resiliency. Ego-resiliency was also correlated with hostility and generalised aggression. However, correlations between verbal aggression and resilience were weaker in the second period. Resilience showed comparable correlations with alcohol consumption, physical aggression, and anger in both periods. Conclusions: Ego-resiliency emerged as a protective factor against anxiety, anger, and hostility during the COVID-19 pandemic among the studied groups of men. It appears to be a stable and integral part of personality, unaffected by the pandemic period. The role of mental resilience in relation to verbal aggression remains unclear.