Psychological Resilience, Hope, and Adaptability as Protective Factors in Times of Crisis: A Study in Greek and Cypriot Society During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Various studies have examined resilience in relation to risk and protective factors during crises, showing that values such as hope and optimism are significantly associated with people's quality of life in difficult times. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an unprecedented global health challenge. This study aimed to explore the effects of psychological resilience, hope, and adaptability when individuals face real or perceived danger. A quantitative approach was employed using three self-report questionnaires: the CD-RISC to assess psychological resilience, the Adult Hope Scale (AHS) to measure hope, and the COVID-19 Adaptation Questionnaire (CAQ) to examine perceived ability to adapt to changes in daily life during quarantine, as well as trust in state policies and media. Demographic data, including age, gender, place of residence, and education level, were collected using a Personal Information Form. The instruments were administered to 205 Greek and Cypriot adults aged 18 years or older. Findings indicated that higher hope scores predicted greater psychological resilience and adaptability. Age and education were positively associated with resilience, with older and more educated participants showing higher levels of resilience and adaptation. However, although participants complied with strict social isolation measures, they neither trusted state policies nor relied on mass media for information during the pandemic.