Subjective well-being and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hungary

Purpose-This study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemics on subjective well-being(SWB) and mental health in Hungary, with a particular focus on the roles of socioeconomic and COVID-19-related factors in shaping these outcomes. Design/methodology/approach-A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 2,000Hungarian adults from May 25 to June 8, 2021. The data was collected using standardized questionnaires,including the SWLS, GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA and linear regression wereused. Findings-The study found significant anxiety (41.5%), depression (48.1%) and life dissatisfaction (41.9%)among 2,000 participants. Females reported higher anxiety and depression than males. Single individuals hadthe lowest life satisfaction. Higher income levels are correlated with greater life satisfaction. Quarantine andvaccination were linked to higher life satisfaction and lower psychological distress. The regression showed thatolder age, being married and higher income were linked to lower depression and anxiety. Severity of infectionand quarantine increased both depression and anxiety. Infection reduced life satisfaction, but severe casesshowed a slight improvement in satisfaction, highlighting complex health and well-being relationships. Practical implications-The findings reveal complex relationships, including unexpected resilience insevere COVID-19 cases. Originality/value-This study offers insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on SWB andmental health in Hungary. By analyzing socioeconomic, demographic and pandemic-related factors in alarge sample, it highlights complex relationships between quarantine, infection severity, vaccination andwell-being. The findings contribute to understanding how these factors influence mental health, informingtargeted interventions during health crises.