Examination of the COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Mental Health From Three Perspectives: Global, Social, and Individual. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thomas, Lauren E.; Emich, Abigail; Weiss, Emily; Zisman, Corina; Foray, Katherine; Roberts, Deborah M.; Page, Emily; Ernst, Monique
• Is Part Of: Perspectives on psychological science. Volume 18:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 513
• Page End: 526
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: mental health -- COVID-19 -- pandemic -- anxiety -- physical health; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1177/17456916221078310
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-6916

Abstract

The extent of the deleterious effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health is recognized ubiquitously. However, these effects are subject to many modulatory factors from a plethora of domains of examination. It is important to understand the intersection of societal and individual levels for global stressors compared with local phenomena and physical-health outcomes. Here, we consider three perspectives: international/cultural, social, and individual. Both the enduring threat of COVID-19 infection and the protective measures to contain contagion have important consequences on individual mental health. These consequences, together with possible remedial interventions, are the focus of this article. We hope this work will stimulate more research and will suggest factors that need to be considered in the coordination of responses to a global threat, allowing for better preparation in the future.