The social support as possible predictor of mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic, which affected the whole world, has had many consequences for people's lives. These were not only the consequences for the physical health, but also the deterioration of the mental health of the population compared to the period before the pandemic. This diploma thesis examines what can support people's mental health at this time. One of the possible predictors of mental health is social support. This thesis aims to find out whether it proves to be a predictor of mental health even in a pandemic, when social contacts are forcibly limited and people can easily get into social isolation. The literature review part deals with the concept of mental health and well-being, mental health during the pandemic, the concept of social support and its impact on mental health. In the research part, data from a questionnaire survey conducted within the framework of international research were analyzed. Data collection took place between December 2020 and January 2021, when the pandemic situation in the Czech Republic was one of the worst in Europe. Multiple regression analysis showed that perceived social support from family, government and work is a significant predictor of mental health in the context of a pandemic. Key Words: Well-being, mental health, social support, Covid-19 pandemi