The ban on contact to others, social distancing and increased hygiene – am I capable of accepting all of these measures taken by the German Government to slow the spread of COVID-19? And how much of an impact does my personal behaviour actually have? Many people are currently considering these questions. The online study ‘CorDis’ [de] addresses these questions by investigating how media information should be designed to improve people’s understanding of the answers to these questions and, furthermore, to change their behaviour correspondingly.
The ‘CorDis’ survey can be completed on the internet and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Participation provides exclusive insights into the latest findings of two research groups from the University of Oxford and the University of San Diego. In addition, participants can enter a raffle of 30 Amazon vouchers with a value of 20 euros each. Participation is open to all persons above the age of 18 and living in Germany.
The situation caused by COVID-19 does not only trouble people because they are scared and worried by the illness. The orders to stay home as much as possible can lead to increasing disputes and altercations in many couples, families, and shared flats. Therapists from the University of Greifswald have recorded videos to help everyone retain a relaxed and calm manner for themselves and when dealing with others in spite of the tense and unusual situation. In the short clips [de], they explain various helpful strategies for dealing with others and one’s own feelings and thoughts in a more effective and relaxed manner. Topics such as ‘Dealing with anxiety’, ‘A positive way of life despite social distancing’, and ‘Mindfulness’ are already available online, with more to follow.
Recurring concerns afflict many of us. ‘Our advice for combatting constant worries’, introduces Prof. Dr. Alfons Hamm, Executive Director of the Institute of Psychology, ‘is to limit your worrying to particular times and places. Sit down on a specific chair and consciously allow all kinds of thoughts for five minutes. Afterwards, it will be easier to let go of all the fears and concerns.’ There is also information about the impact of isolation on children and advice on how to deal with quarantine. ‘We have all been caught off guard by these serious changes to our lifestyle, which initially cause uncertainty and anxiety in many of us. In these cases, a systematic consideration might help’, says Prof. Dr. Eva-Lotta Brakemeier, Director of the Center of Psychological Psychotherapy (ZPP). ‘First of all, we can list everything we are having to give up due to the circumstances. This can be linked to feelings of sadness, which is fine. Then, it is helpful to see what has stayed the same in spite of the crisis, i.e. which possibilities we still have. As a last step, we can also discover the opportunities provided by this situation.”
Further information
CorDis Study [de]
Help for dealing with the situation caused by the coronavirus [de]
Contact at the University of Greifswald
Prof. Dr. Eva-Lotta Brakemeier
Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy
Franz-Mehring-Straße 47
17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 3718
Fax: +49 3834 420 3763
eva-lotta.brakemeieruni-greifswaldde
Twitter: @evalottabra
Prof. Dr. Alfons Hamm
Clinical Psychology and Physiology / Psychotherapy
Franz-Mehring-Straße 47
17489 Greifswald
Tel.: +49 3834 420 3715
Fax: +49 3834 420 3790
hammuni-greifswaldde