The psychology of the COVID-19 pandemic: A group-level perspective.

Abstract

Objective: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threatened not only people’s physical health but also every aspect of their psychological well-being: from their struggle to avoid contracting the disease, to their coping with the disruption of the normal course of their lives, to the trauma they endured when the virus took the lives of those they loved. The objective of this article is to consider the group-level processes that sustain people’s physical and psychological well-being during COVID-19. Method: Applying group dynamic and group therapy theory and research, we explore why COVID-19 spread so rapidly. We also explore how people cope with prolonged social isolation, distress, and social inequities, as well as how people deal with the psychological trauma of the disease, which includes heightened levels of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and complicated bereavement. Results: Researchers and theorists suggest that human beings are fundamentally social, and the need to gather with others is extremely important, especially during times of distress. The need to belong as well as the importance of reducing loneliness during uncertain times often encourages people to connect, despite recommendations to remain socially distant. Conclusions: Group treatment options developed by group psychotherapists are effective at reducing depression, anxiety, complicated grief, and stress. We conclude by examining the growing impact of online groups and the many ways that these groups help people improve their psychological well-being during the COVID-19 crisis.

Bedeutung der COVID-19-Pandemie für die öffentliche Gesundheit und gruppenpsychologische Aspekte – Teil 2 einer (vorläufigen) Übersicht

“…B. Marmarosh et al. 2020 ): Einerseits gelten seit Monaten körperliche Nähe und die Zusammenkunft von Gruppen als Gefahr und Ursache für die Verbreitung der Erkrankung, auf der anderen Seite sind Gruppenzusammenkünfte bekanntermaßen auch ein probates Mittel gegen Stress und Belastungen: „An intervention intended to reduce the likelihood of physiological illness likely contributes to a rise in likelihood of psychological illness“ (Marmarosh et al. 2020 , S. 124).…”

Facilitator lessons from online psychoeducational group for relational well‐being in India during COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Given the mental and physical health challenges presented by COVID‐19, online groups and group therapy interventions are becoming more prevalent (Marmarosh, Forsyth, Strauss and Burlingame, 2020). There has been an appeal made by mental health practitioners to embrace and adapt teletherapy to address relational concerns during the COVID‐19 pandemic (Burgoyne and Cohn, 2020).…”

Online Supportive Group as social intervention to face COVID lockdown. A qualitative study on psychotherapists, psychology trainees and students, and community people

“…Indeed, the pandemic has attacked not just individuals but also their relationships and the groups related to those relationships that deeply influence their existences (Marmarosh, Forsyth, Strauss, & Burlingame, 2020 ). For these reasons, Marmarosh and colleagues ( 2020 ) highlighted how extremely important groups can be when preventing and treating people who are suffering during COVID-19.…”

“…During this season of crisis, the online/virtual modality has been adopted and designed to provide support (Wallace, Wladkowski, Gibson, & White, 2020 ). Although the online space made it necessary to modify and adjust some aspects of the group process, virtual groups represent an affordable and convenient way to protect mental health during a time of social distancing (Marmarosh et al , 2020 ). Groups provided a non-judgemental space in which people may share concerns and hopes, and gain support and insight from others.…”