Health Care : Current Reviews

Factors fostering resilience and post-traumatic growth during the Covid-19 pandemic: A systematic review

Joint Webinar: 8^th World Summit on Neonatal Nursing and Pediatrics Healthcare & 9^th International Conference on Mental Health and Psychiatry

May 22, 2023 | Webinar

Tasleem Sayed

North-West University, South Africa

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Health Care Curr Re

Abstract:

It is known that negative psychological outcomes such as anxiety, uncertainty, and fear of the unknown make people more vulnerable during a pandemic. Thus, to prevent a rise in mental health issues and improve psychological functioning, it is essential to foster individuals’ resilience. Despite the detrimental impact of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, resilience and post-traumatic growth (PTG) have the potential to promote positive functioning and reduce the negative effects of stress. This study aimed to investigate and uncover elements linked to predicting or encouraging people's resilience and PTG during the Covid-19 pandemic. A negative focus on Covid-19 related problems and challenges will misrepresent our understanding of how individuals’ function and adapt throughout the pandemic. Therefore, research on the mental health impact on individuals is needed, as it has been established that the pandemic has weakened individuals and families globally. Research on support, strengths and growth is thus needed to optimize social and human resources and to build human resilience as challenging circumstances may pave the way for positive growth. This systematic review (SR) was guided by the Cochrane Collaboration and followed a 10-step process. A total of four databases were searched with no limiters. Through database and reference list searches, 310 suitable studies were identified, of which 52 were included in the final analysis. Several themes were found, namely social support, emotional support, mindfulness, personal strengths, positive thinking, spiritual growth and meaning; these themes emerged as the strongest predictors of resilience and PTG during the Covid-19 pandemic.