Reactions to the pandemic in brazil: predictors of mental health and life satisfaction

The present study investigates mental health indicators: depression, anxiety, stress, sadness, satisfaction with life and associated variables, gender, educational level, having an academic or professional occupation, the constancy of physical exercises, presence of chronic disease, displaying symptoms, having been infected, having tested for Covid-19, isolation level, working from home, searching for information related to Covid-19, time devoted to social networks and belief in infection by Covid-19 from you and others. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from May 9th to July 2nd of 2020. The sample was recruited (n=862) to participate using an online spreadsheet (Google forms) circulated on social media, television, and e-mails. Sociodemographic questionnaires and scales to measure mental health aspects were applied. The mental health indicators are negatively correlated with life satisfaction. Being a woman and being younger predict higher levels of mental suffering. We have presented other predictors of mental health and life satisfaction during the pandemic. The lack of control generated by the pandemic itself, and aggravated by the circumstances in Brazil -increasing infection and deaths- shows a clear relationship with psychological distress. From the results offered by the present research, there is no single solution or “magic answer” to alleviate the psychological suffering of the Brazilian people.