Citizens of many countries are in the high peak period of the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. People are currently struggling with the total cessation of certain aspects of normal life. The situation associated with the pandemic can lead to the development of many problems connected both with mental and physical health. The investigators, as psychologists, would like to better understand this difficult situation and identify mechanisms which can lead to health problems. Therefore, group of researchers and practitioners created this study to investigate how people in general cope with this critical situation. The researchers would like to estimate the following variables which participants will evaluate before and during the pandemic period: levels of physical activity, attitudes towards one's body, attitudes towards eating, and psychological well-being. The investigators would like to involve experts and scientists from all around the world. Through this research and by investigating how people cope with this critical situation the solutions for psychological care and interventions for global crisis situations like the COVID-19 pandemic might be identified.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
50,000
Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport
Gdansk, Poland
RECRUITINGLevels of Physical Activity
measured by Inventory of Physical Activity Objectives (IPAO) by Lipowski \& Zaleski is used to examine the motivating function of objectives determining one to undertake physical activity. The respondent answers questions regarding his/her involvement in competitive sports (both present and previous), and forms and intensity of his/her physical activity. The survey allows analyzing objectives in terms of their dimensions (importance, expectations, conflict), as well as dimensions of action (exercise, endurance, satisfaction). The respondent is given a (multiple) choice of objectives behind his/her physical activity. Four scales of goal-oriented behaviours associated with PA are distinguished in the test: motivational value, time management, persistence in action, motivational conflict. The higher the results of these scales - the higher the motivation to physical activity. IPAO is characterized by good psychometric properties, the Cronbach's α for IPAO reached 0,78.
Time frame: Baseline
Eating Attitudes
measured by Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) by Garner, Olmsted, Bohr \& Garfinkel (1982). It's a self-report measure of symptoms and concerns characteristic of eating disorders. The EAT-26 can be used in a non-clinical as well as a clinical setting not specifically focused on eating disorders. Questionnaire is rated on a six-point scale based on how often the individual engages in specific behaviors. Scores greater than 20 indicate a need for further investigation by a qualified professional. Research using different EAT-26 language versions has a satisfactory Crombach's alpha 0,78-0,92.
Time frame: Baseline
Psychological wellbeing
measured by Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWBS) by Ryff (2004). The PWB scales incorporate six dimensions: autonomy, positive relations with others, environmental mastery, personal growth, purpose in life and self-acceptance. Respondents rate how strongly they agree or disagree with 18 statements using a 7-point scale, higher scores indicate greater wellbeing.
Time frame: Baseline
Physical wellbeing
measured by SF-12v2 Health Survey, the SF-12v2 is a practical, reliable and valid measure of physical and mental health, it uses just 12 questions. Higher scores indicate a higher level of physical wellbeing
Time frame: Baseline
Obligatory Exercise
measured by Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire (OEQ) by Pasman \& Thompson (1988). OEQ allows to measure excessive exercise activity, especially as it relates to eating disorders. The OEQ contains three factors: Emotional Element of Exercise; Exercise Frequency and Intensity; and Exercise Preoccupation. All items indicate higher endorsement of and engaging in obligatory exercise behaviors.
Time frame: Baseline
Attitudes Towards Body
measured by Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance (SATAQ 3) by Thompson et al (2014) - widely used measure of societal influences on body image and eating disturbances. SATAQ 3 has subscales that assess internalization (general, athlete), pressures, and information. Items are rated on a five point response scale, with higher scores indicating greater media endorsement.
Time frame: Baseline
Body Image Disturbance
measured by Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale (FNAES) developed by Lundgren, Anderson \&Thompson (2004) - an eight-item self-report measure that assesses apprehension about appearance evaluation. The higher the FNEAS score the more fear of negative appearance evaluation by others is experienced.
Time frame: Baseline
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