Unravelling Cognitive Dissonance: Exploring Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Lockdown and Social Distancing on Women Living in Orissa

Abstract

The experience of living alone during COVID-19 social-distancing measures can have negative effects on the health and wellbeing of individuals in single households. This article explores the experiences and perspectives of single women in relation to COVID-19 social-distancing measures and physical isolation. A study was conducted during a period of restricted movement, involving interviews with 35 women residing in Orissa, within the age range of 25 to 48 years. In this manuscript, we outline three distinct levels of responses to social-distancing measures: cognitive, affective, and behavioural. Discrepancies were observed in the various levels of responses, highlighting the influence of affective responses on individuals' attitudes and adherence to social-distancing measures.