Stress-related growth in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a panel study

The outbreak of COVID-19 raised significant concerns regarding mental health and well-being. Although the research conducted after the onset of the pandemic was extensive, literature shows conflicting findings regarding the impact of the pandemic on well-being. Using two waves (2019 and 2020) of the Dutch LISS panel data (N = 3928), we test the extent to which changes in emotional stability triggered by the onset of the pandemic explain changes in mental health and well-being. Contrary to our expectations, our results indicate an increase in emotional stability that explains the changes in mental health and life satisfaction. Our findings are indicative of stress-related growth, revealing a resilient response of the Dutch population in relation to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.