COVID-19 distress, sources of meaning, and crisis of meaning in the Finnish context

Abstract

ABSTRACT In secularised Nordic cultures, more research is needed about the existential significance of COVID-19 distress. The connection between COVID-19 distress, crisis of meaning, and sources of meaning was studied using the Finnish version of Sources of Meaning and Meaning in Life (SoMe) questionnaire. The data were collected from 551 Finns. Respondents’ sociodemographic information was related to the studied variables. Commitment to protecting one's health and closeness to nature were associated with decreased COVID-19 distress while focus on the self and social commitment was associated with increased distress. This distress was connected to increased crisis of meaning that was buffered by religiosity. COVID-19 distress was highest among women and young people. Young age, less education, being a student, non-religious worldview, and male gender were associated with increased crisis of meaning. The results for this pandemic context suggest that in secularised cultures, people turn to religion if other coping strategies are unavailable.