Over the past few days, the severity of the spreading coronavirus pandemic has started to hit home. Across the world, schools and businesses have closed, sporting events and concerts have been cancelled, and people are being urged to avoid gathering in bars and restaurants. It may finally be sinking in that some degree of social isolation is likely in the immediate future for most of us – whether we get sick or not.
Psychology researchers Jonathan Kanter and Adam Kuczynski agree 100% with public health officials’ recommendations to stay home and maintain space if you must go out. But at the same time, they worry about the psychological effects of prolonged isolation. Here are their suggestions on ways to stay connected even if you’re physically all alone.
For more reading on the pandemic as it unfolds, straight from trusted academic sources, you can visit our page dedicated to coronavirus coverage.
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There are ways to strengthen bonds while keeping physical distance.
MoMo Productions/DigitalVision via Getty Images
Jonathan Kanter, University of Washington; Adam Kuczynski, University of Washington
Physically isolating yourself can feel psychologically isolating too. But there are ways to maintain connections in these crazy coronavirus times.
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COVID-19
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Thomas Perls, Boston University
With no vaccines or treatments, the fight against coronavirus comes down to this behavioral technique. A physician explains how it works.
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Sarah L Caddy, University of Cambridge
Can your canine give you coronavirus?
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Monica Grady, The Open University
Delay has turned space mission ExoMars2020 into ExoMars2022.
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Herman Wasserman, University of Cape Town
Jokes and satire can build resilience but also spread misinformation as people don't always know what is trustworthy and what is just funny.
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Science + Technology
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Amélie Beaudet, University of the Witwatersrand
The findings suggest that this specimen could climb and move in trees. But it may also have been able to walk on the ground. This echoes previous studies.
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David Martill, University of Portsmouth
The fossil includes the tiny flying creature's original bone and flesh.
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En Français
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Chiara Destri, Sciences Po – USPC; Cyrille Thiébaut, Sciences Po – USPC
Les élections municipales risquent d’être marquées par un déficit de légitimité.
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Charles Hadji, Université Grenoble Alpes
La crise du coronavirus sera-t-elle le temps fort d’une réflexion sur les apprentissages et la rénovation du travail pédagogique ? Retour sur les défis posés par la fermeture des écoles.
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