Emotions of Russians in 2014–2024

The article presents the results of analyzing data from the 2014–24 all-Russian public opinion polls on 16 emotions experienced personally and observed in others. The hierarchy and dynamics of mean values of positive and negative emotion indices were investigated. Changes in distinct emotions in 2020–24 were assessed using regression analysis. It has been found that pride and other self-esteem emotions are well expressed in the Russian emotional climate, both in self-reports and in responses about other peoples feelings. In 2014–22, national pride was inferior to collective resentment in the hierarchy of emotions; subsequently, the ratio reversed. In 2020–21, during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant exacerbation of negative emotions, such as frustration, antagonistic feelings, and fatigue. Particularly significant was the increase in negativity observed by respondents in their social environment. Contrary to our expectations, the polling data for 2022–24 did not reflect a surge of negative emotions in connection with Russia’s military actions against Ukraine. Frustration levels rose briefly in the spring of 2022; new spikes weren’t recorded thereafter. Mentions of depression and antagonistic emotions have become significantly rarer in this period; positive emotions increased dramatically and began to dominate over negative ones. Psychological arousal is mainly related to the strengthening of collective self-esteem. Secondary trends indicate psychological and moral discomfort of a small part of Russians at this time. Survey data indicate an increased level of collective shame and confusion recognized in other people. One more feature is the reduced level of individual self-esteem.