Manifestation of the Socio-Psychological Impact of COVID-19 in Selected Contexts around the Globe

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (2020), the COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological and social effects on the population. Research has highlighted the impact on the psychological well-being of the most exposed groups, including children, college students, and health workers who are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of distress. This article aims to investigate the socio-psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in selected contexts of the globe. The researchers have used a literature review method by using various research engines such as the Web of Science, ResearchGate, Scopus, Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), and Google Scholar. The environment of COVID-19 was associated with the following thematic information: immense grief and bereavement; increased mental health illnesses; detrimental effects on family life; high demands on health care; and the application of online psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address the health care doldrums caused by the disease. Further, the disease resulted in deaths, loss of jobs, drastic stigmatization, domestic violence, suicidal ideation, and various spates of depression. The article concludes by advocating for psycho-emotional education in different country contexts as a way of increasing disease resilience and coping.