Self-confinement In The New Normal: Associated Personality Factors
Despite the State of Alarm having been lifted several months ago, The threat of COVID-19 is still present in our lives This has caused many people to experience a type of “self-confinement”, as a result of the fear of being infected.
Said “self-confinement” is nothing more than an attempt to control “the uncontrollable” Some examples of this “self-confinement” consist of: leaving the house only for what is “essential”, not using public transport, not traveling or going on vacation, not meeting anyone, not going to any bar or restaurant or public pool or beach, disinfect everything and wash their hands or apply hydroalcoholic gel excessively, which often ends up causing dermatological problems, wearing a mask even if they are alone in the car, etc.
However, What factors or personality traits influence a person to develop what has recently been called “cabin syndrome” by many?
1. They are people who are very afraid of “losing control”
They think that “something terrible” will happen if this happens.
2. They do not tolerate uncertainty
They experience it as a threat, since they feel as if they are “walking on quicksand” or “eggshells” and that makes them insecure.
3. They are always activated in the face of danger
Due to this high need for control, They anticipate situations that they consider potentially dangerous, to be able to deal with them, in the event that they end up happening. And they tend to “overinformation.”
4. They tend to be very conservative
It is difficult for them to adapt to changes or unforeseen situations and routine gives them security.
5. Your way of thinking is usually rigid or inflexible
Their way of thinking usually occurs in terms of “all or nothing”, not contemplating “grays” or “half measures”.
6. They need a script to follow in the different situations they face
This occurs because, frequently, they distrust their own judgment and tend to act according to what is socially “expected.”
7. They distrust
Generally, They usually have a feeling of suspicion or distrust towards the world and/or towards others, considering it as a threatening place full of dangers. In fact, we could say that his vision is more realistic than that of other people. Since, most people are subject to the so-called: “positivity bias”, which consists of seeing the world as a safer and less dangerous place than it really is.
8. They have a high sense of responsibility
They put a lot of emphasis on morality, taking too much into account of others, which often causes them to reach the point of leaving themselves aside, establishing a rigid barrier between what they consider to be “right” and “is right.” evil”.
They have a high level of self-demand and self-sacrifice towards the common good Frequently using expressions such as: “I should”, “I should”, etc.
10. They tend towards hypochondria
Sometimes, they tend to be apprehensive and hypochondriacal, which causes them to be too aware of their bodily sensations, amplifying them in many situations.
11. They tend to be introverted people
That is to say, In many cases they have a large “internal world” and great capacity for imagination, they enjoy and tolerate solitude well, so they need less external stimuli or social relationships than other people.
12. They think about things a lot
They show a tendency to become obsessed at times and give a lot of importance to their thoughts, sometimes equating them to actions or facts. They also tend to be “superstitious” and believe that if they think something, it can eventually happen.
13. Your thinking is usually more concrete
They are often anxious about the possibility that some type of misunderstanding may occur, They like “things to be clear” often using expressions such as: “clear things and thick chocolate”, “to the bread, bread and to the wine, wine”, not liking double meanings, nor ambiguous messages and often taking things “at face value”. foot of the letter”.
14. They tend to be submissive to authority
They tend to abide by the rules and commands of people, hierarchically, above them without questioning them.
15. They do not distinguish between the possible and the probable
That is, they think that if something is possible to happen, it will probably end up happening.
Their usual state is usually one of hypervigilance. This causes permanent difficulty or inability to relax given the possibility that some danger or external situation catches them off guard and they cannot avoid it.
16. They are prone to having catastrophic thoughts
They end up, almost always, in the worst case. They often use expressions such as: “what if…”, “think wrong and you will be right”, etc.
17. They find it difficult to ask for and receive help
This makes them feel vulnerable They also tend to mistrust the help of others and do not like to “bother” them either.
18. They have a tendency to flee from conflictive situations
They prefer to avoid conflict, in general, for fear of getting angry and ending up losing control. And before the possibility that others will become angry with them, for fear of rejection or abandonment, or of suffering some type of harm from them.
19. The “self-fulfilling prophecy” phenomenon is created
Sometimes, The anxiety generated by uncertainty is so high that they cannot tolerate it and end up “losing control.” potentially going to the opposite extreme, which, paradoxically, can cause them to expose themselves to risky and dangerous situations, reinforcing this fear of losing control.
