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. 2022;23(2):727-745.
doi: 10.1007/s10902-021-00421-1. Epub 2021 Jun 19.

How Communication Technology Fosters Individual and Social Wellbeing During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Support For a Digital Interaction Model

Natale Canale  1 , Claudia Marino  1 , Michela Lenzi  1 , Alessio Vieno  1 , Mark D Griffiths  2 , Marta Gaboardi  1 , Matteo Giraldo  1 , Carmen Cervone  1 , Santinello Massimo  1
Affiliations

How Communication Technology Fosters Individual and Social Wellbeing During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Support For a Digital Interaction Model

Natale Canale et al. J Happiness Stud. 2022.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to test an explanatory model for individual and social wellbeing which incorporates the advantages of using digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out in Italy, one of the countries that has been most severely affected by the pandemic worldwide. The study was designed to include variables that might be specifically pertinent to the uniqueness of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. Adults living in Italy (n = 1412) completed an online survey during the lockdown period in March 2020. Results showed two distinct digital interaction processes highlighted by the facilitating use of online emotions ("e-motions") and online social support ("e-support"). In short, e-motions were positively related to posttraumatic growth, which in turn was positively associated with positive mental health and higher engagement in prosocial behaviors. Moreover, individuals who perceived themselves as having greater e-support were characterized by higher levels of positive mental health, which it turn was positively associated with prosocial behaviors. Collectively, these two digital interaction processes suggest that digital technologies appear to be critical resources in helping individuals cope with difficulties raised by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coronavirus-19; Online social support; Positive mental health; Posttraumatic growth; Prosocial behaviors; Social sharing of emotions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interestThe authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The proposed digital interaction model
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Standardized parameters for the model. Note: N = 1412; (**p < .01; *** p < .001); Gender: 1 = M; 2 = F; Cohabiting Status: 0 = alone; 1 = not alone; Education: 0 = low; 1 = high
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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