Stephan Grünewald, you and your colleagues at the Rheingold Institute have determined the mood in the country after two years of Corona and three months of war. To do this, you interviewed people using depth psychology. So how are we doing right now?
We are currently in a phase of upheaval.
On the one hand, people are happy that many corona measures have been lifted and are enjoying the warm spring days.
On the other hand, the war gives everyday life an unreality: one staggers back and forth between the awakening of spring and terrible images of war.
In recent weeks, however, the war has been increasingly being pushed aside by many: normality is invoked or private diversionary maneuvers are launched.
But the suppression never works completely, the reality of war makes itself felt again and again as "war tinnitus".
What exactly do you mean by that?
Despite all attempts to fade it out, the reality of war articulates itself again and again as a threatening background noise.
How was the situation at the beginning of the war?
Initially, people fell into a state of shock and many expressed their fears that the war would escalate completely.
Like the rabbit before the snake, they gazed paralyzed into the abyss of war.
Many stared spellbound at the news ticker – hoping to see a redeeming message there.
At the same time, we observed attempts to escape the powerlessness - by donating, by starting demonstrations of solidarity, by mentally packing your bags and harboring thoughts of escape.
What are people missing in Germany right now?
Above all, they miss the light-heartedness.
Many people have drastically reduced their news consumption, some have even stopped it completely in order to no longer be confronted with the shocking images of war.
But suppressing the war is very strenuous, very exhausting.
And what are we doing about it?
After the Corona deprivation, it is important for many to experience community and to experience collective self-empowerment in the crisis in the beer garden or with friends.
At the same time, you want to show that you can change your life.
Many report that they are changing their consumption behavior – even if this is not absolutely necessary.
This shows you and the world that you are crisis-proof and ready for change.
And still others celebrate like there's no tomorrow, the famous dance on the volcano.
Who goes which way?
We find the mood for excess above all among young people, who are repressing the current crisis to a greater extent than older people.
The reality of war turns their peaceful way of life upside down.
With many older people we experience that they are still in a withdrawn corona mode.
The desire for self-sufficiency is often growing among people in midlife.
The bread maker is purchased and flour or oil is stashed away.
What is the relationship between war and Corona in people's minds?
Corona is still the central topic of conversation.
In our interviews, people talk about everything, but initially not about the war.
The topic of war does not polarize as much as the topic of Corona.
Most have ambivalent feelings about the war.
They then tell us that of course we have to show solidarity and support Ukraine, they are being attacked.
But the next moment they also express their fear that Germany will become a war party.
Has Corona lost its horror?
When it comes to Corona, most people now feel at home.
Here they have their beliefs and safeguards that make them feel in control.
And here everyone clearly distinguishes between right and wrong positions.
Is there anything you recommend when someone is unwell?
One recommendation is to moderate the news consumption, but not to cut it completely.
During the day, most are able to hide the war well through their busyness and other diversionary tactics.
But in the night the repressed spirits wake up again.
In the morning they feel the need to first clarify what happened during the night.
It is also important to articulate any ambivalences that one feels in the conversation.
That's what helps people the most: to get together with others, to exchange ideas, to talk about concerns, but also to develop confidence together.
What gives people hope?
Above all, the view of having survived the various crises of the last two years and the associated pride of being able to change one's own behavior.
In addition, many have reorganized their relationships: not only have the closets been tidied up, but many so-called friends have also ended up in the old clothes collection.
But whoever you still spend time with now gives you the feeling that you can rely on this person in an emergency and that you can make a difference together for the future.
That also gives confidence.