From Diagnosis to Recovery: Unraveling the Interplay of Emotions, Social Support and Belief Systems in the Face of COVID-19 in India
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: The global Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on individual's health and well-being that was not only limited to physical health but greatly affected the psychological health of people as well.Aim: The study aimed at examining the social, emotional, and lived experiences of those diagnosed with third wave of Covid-19 pandemic.Method: A total sample of 60 participants was selected which were further divided into two age groups i.e., 18-40 years and 41-60 years.A semi-structured interview was administered to both groups and 5 themes were derived from it: emotions related to the pandemic, social support, sources of strength, spiritual-religious beliefs, and experience of living with the pandemic.Thematic analysis of the participant interviews was done.Results:The findings indicated that by the third wave of Covid-19 a normal attitude towards the pandemic was developed.Greater social support was found to be perceived from family members and friends for both the groups.Additionally, group 2 relied more on spiritual-religious beliefs as a way of coping with the distress caused during pandemic.As for living with the pandemic, with the third wave it was seen that fewer people required hospitalization, and for a majority of the sample the symptoms were tolerable and the emotional journey of diagnosis through recovery was less distressing.Conclusion: With the third wave, the overall shift in how individuals perceive, deal and adapt to the pandemic has significantly changed as compared to first and second waves.Having a strong social support, and other sources of strength are vital in overcoming global epidemics like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Authors: Neha Gahlot, Rejani Thudalikunnil Gopalan
Institution: Apex University, Jaipur
Language: English
Topic: COVID-19 and Mental Health
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409365245
