An Adaptive Approach towards COVID-19: Managing Psycho-social Crisis

• Published in: Foundation University Journal of Psychology Vol. 4; no. 2; p. 11
• Main Authors: Khan, Maryam, Zeb, Sana
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Islamabad Foundation University 01.01.2020
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Pandemics
• ISSN: 2519-710X; 2520-4343
• DOI: 10.33897/fujp.v4i2.166

Background: The world is facing an unprecedented challenge of COVID-19; which is undoubtedly giving an equally tough time to both, general public and vulnerable groups in terms of mental disruption and massive uncertainty. This paper is designed to review a few extensive scientific explorations for helping people understand the situation, plan their behavior and devise their adaptive approach towards this pandemic. Methods: The present attempt was destined to review recent work to explore three specific questions like what are the prominent psychosocial challenges being faced by the masses, what should be the role of media in general and social media in particular (at present), and what would be the adaptive strategy to manage this hard time. Therefore, five recent research papers from a renowned journal - the lancet - were reviewed, specifically addressing the mentioned concerns. The inclusion criteria, as having the three month-timeline of April to June, 2020 publications, the papers addressing psycho-social impact of COVID-19, and a direction to respond the above mentioned questions, was specified. Results: Findings, presented an increase in distress, anxiousness, suicide rate and self-harming tendencies; disorganized, threatening role of media; and a need to develop an understanding and careful distinction of social distancing, and loneliness along with building resilience to battle against this pandemic. Conclusions: The study would help people to manage their emotional challenges and life activities as per the findings. Also, a food of thought for future consideration and a call for mental health practitioners for easing this transition back to normality is offered.