ABSTRACT
The paper is focused at the development and validation of a psychometric scale of the subjective quality of time. The subjective quality of time is the measure of fullness with which one can experience a certain period of time, or the time associated with certain activity. Based on this, we aimed to develop a scale for measuring the subjective quality of time. The original version of the scale included 15 bipolar rating scales. In the process of testing and improving the psychometric characteristics of the inventory, the number of scales was reduced to 5. The one-factor model for 5 statements showed an acceptable fit to the data (multigroup model in Mplus 8.4, MLR statistic: X2(20) = 36.10, p = 0.015, CFI = 0.963, RMSEA = 0.089, 90% CI [0.039;0.134], SRMR = 0.036). The reliability of the scale (Cronbach's alpha) ranged from 0.79 to 0.87 in different samples. Several studies have focused on the construct validity of the new measure. In the study about the characteristics of self-regulation of hatha yoga practitioners, the assessment of the quality of time of yoga practice was significantly higher than the assessment of the quality of time for filling out questionnaires (Student's t-test: p<0.001;d = 1.22). In another study of psychological and behavioral responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, the scale of the subjective quality of time was offered to a sample of students as part of a set of measures. As we expected, against the background of the unfolding pandemic, assessment of the quality of time for the last month was significantly lower than for the previous year. It also significantly correlated with other indicators of subjective well-being. There were no significant links between the assessment of the quality of time over the past month and over the past year with emotions and fears caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
ABSTRACT
While negative psychological effects of COVID-19 pandemic are actively studied, little is known about the eventual positive reactions to the pandemic including the capacity to see positive opportunities in this situation and about personality resources that may help to cope and to maintain well-being despite lifestyle restrictions. The aim of our study was to reveal positive personality resources that contribute to buffering the negative effects and its consequences on individual lives. 474 adults 18-81 years old from Siberia (Russia) participated in May 2020 in a survey about the impact of the pandemic and self-isolation and also filled out psychometric measures of well-being and psychological resources (PANAS, PWI, Value of Life Scale, MHC, MSTAT-I, LOT, GSE, Hardiness Survey, SOC, Personal Life Position inventory). One in three respondents reported worsening emotional condition through the previous two weeks and poor adherence to governmental self-isolation recommendations, and 43.6% reported increased financial difficulties. Taking into account not only the negative but also positive subjective effect of the pandemic enabled the improved accuracy in prediction of both well-being and adherence to the governmental measures. The less a person mentioned the positive side of the pandemic, the more strongly their adherence to the governmental measures depended on perceived negative effects (worries and threats). Tolerance for ambiguity, the challenge component of hardiness, harmony with life predicted perceived positive effects after adjusting for negative effects. Psychological resources could play a buffering role as regards the vulnerability to negative psychological effects of the pandemic and help to find positive opportunities.