The effect of entertaining movie scenes on positive emotion in distressed students during pandemic Covid-19

Abstract

Pandemic is a life event strongly associated with uncertainty, ambiguity, and loss of control. Each of which triggers emotional distress that has become a growing topic in research studies related to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of previous studies have proven a possible effect of providing a stimulus that involves cognitive processes on emotional responses. Movie scene is one of the most effective methods used in Mood Induction Procedures (MIP). Positive emotion that reflects the extent to which a person feels enthusiastic and active could also be raised with this method. A total of 60 sophomore year students of the Faculty of Psychology at Padjadjaran University with emotional distress were selected using convenience sampling. Participants were divided into two groups, in which one group received treatment in the form of entertaining movie scenes, and the other group did not. Both groups filled out PANAS (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule) questionnaire to provide measurement result of the positive emotion they experienced. Independent sample t-test was performed and it showed a significant result that the provision of movie scenes affected positive emotion in participants who were experiencing distress.