Socio-psychological implications of Covid-19: Issues, challenges and future prospects

ABSTRACT The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) occurred in the capital

of Hubei province in China in December 2019, and has since engulfed almost all

sectors of society across the globe, irrespective of age, sex, race, religion, or color.

Exposure to COVID-19 has increased the risk of numerous socio-psychological

problems such as the risk of domestic violence, suicidal behavior, social stigma and

discrimination, human-rights-related challenges and crime, depression, anxiety,

stress, phobias, confusion, traumatic events, and other mental health problems.

This article describes the socio-psychological implications pertaining to the spread

of coronavirus, how it has caused numerous deaths, and how developing and

developed countries alike have imposed lockdowns, curfews, and restrictions on

public movement, affecting markets, workplaces, construction sites, and transport

facilities, while members of society have been instructed to maintain social distance,

adversely affecting their day-to-day lives. This study is based on a comprehensive

review of literature, as well as data regarding the socio-psychological implications

of COVID-19. The study concludes that the outbreak of COVID-19 has catastrophic

socio-psychological implications, especially in developing countries, where the

vulnerable in society are hit hard. The study suggests that there is a great need

for the attention of policy makers and planners in relation to responding to the

COVID-19 crisis.

KEYWORDS: COVID-19, social implication, psychological problems, stress,

violence

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