ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on everyone’s health, particularly the vulnerable populations. One such group is that of informal caregivers. The onset of the pandemic has led to many individuals assuming COVID caregiving responsibilities within their homes. They often already suffer from psychological and physical distress which has risen immensely during the pandemic. The research seeks to examine the rise in the level of Compassion Fatigue and Stress for these COVID caregivers and if their gender has had an impact on the same. In the context of this study, compassion fatigue refers to the condition of emotional and physical exhaustion experienced as a result of helping or wanting to help individuals experiencing trauma (in the case of the pandemic, people suffering from COVID-19). Constant exposure to such trauma can lead to a severely diminished ability to empathize and feel compassion. Eight COVID caregivers, including four males and four female, were interviewed and their responses have been analyzed within this paper. These caregivers are either salaried employees or self-employed professionals.
ABSTRACT
Background: Several studies have pointed out the relationship between gender and personality in its various facets. The current study investigates if the personality traits of a person is associated with their gender. The rationale of the study is to understand what impact gender has on one’s personality. Methodology: A standardised survey was distributed to a sample of adolescents belonging to the age group of 16-21 years from Mumbai. Each person completed a different measure on the Big Five Personality traits. Women reported themselves to be higher in Neuroticism, Agreeableness, Warmth, and Openness to Feelings, whereas men were higher in Assertiveness and Openness to Ideas. The sample comprises of 50 men and 50 women each from the age group of 16-21 years. Results: Women scored comparatively higher on all the three scales which denotes women are more open to new experiences and new ideas, they are most likely to put others’ needs ahead of their own and cooperate rather than compete with each other. They experience negative emotions like fear, anxiety, guilt and shame intensely. Whereas men on the other hand are practical, conventional and focus on the concrete, they tend to avoid the unknown and follow traditional ways. They experience less empathy and are described as hostile, competitive and antagonists. Conclusion: Further studies on gender and personality are needed to elucidate the findings of the current study