The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted people's lives and introduced significant stressors during the last 18 months. Indeed, people have faced ongoing uncertainty and health-related stress while also adjusting the way they work, study, parent, and socialize. Not surprisingly, research has revealed significant increases in anxiety, depression, and stress among samples from the United States. Meanwhile, the availability of mental health resources is limited, with limited appointment availability with mental health care providers. Thus, research on self-directed strategies to cope with pandemic-related stress is needed. This study will investigate the emotional benefits of two such strategies--affirming one's sense of belonging and practicing acts of kindness.
