Social isolation in Brazil: analysis of adherence, influence of personality, well-being and psychological distress

Abstract

At the end of 2019, the world was shaken by a public health problem, COVID-19. To combat it, the WHO recommended social isolation which, despite the benefits in reducing contagion, can have psychological consequences. This article aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic and personal characteristics that can influence social isolation. A total of 1,914 individuals, aged between 14 and 86, 77.7% of whom were women, from 25 Federative Units in Brazil, participated in the study. It was observed that people with elementary or secondary education only, with incomes below the minimum wage, of black ethnicity and who seek information about the pandemic on social networks, are those who have observed significantly less social isolation. People who did not adhere to isolation had higher levels of positive affect and stress mindset and lower levels of conscientiousness. The findings suggest the importance of recognizing relevant social and psychological characteristics for engaging in restrictive measures.