Hope During COVID-19 Lockdown

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has changed daily life in unexpected ways including strict lockdowns periods that may shape hope. Method This study compared hope levels among an online sample of 584 adults in late April 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown (2020 survey) to 884 adult internet users who participated in the 2019 Hope Barometer survey which was performed six months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2019 survey). Both surveys used identical validated hope and depression measures. Results Despite high degrees of depression, hope levels slightly but significantly increased in the 2020 survey compared to the 2019 survey. Differences between the 2019 and 2020 surveys appeared across all demographic groups, with no differences related to age, sex, or education. Conclusions Despite the increased depression, the COVID-19 lockdown was associated with significantly higher hope levels.