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Experiencing the COVID-19 Emergency: Age-Related Disequilibrating Event for Identity
Tiziana Di Palma1, Luca Fusco1, Luigia Simona Sica1
1Department of Humanities, University of Federico II, 80138 Napoli, Italy.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|December 11, 2022
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a turning point, prompting identity reevaluation. Findings indicate it was a disequilibrating life event, with age-related differences in adaptive resources and risks, particularly for young adults and the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 emergency significantly altered daily life, social interactions, and personal routines for Italians.
- This disruption created opportunities for introspection and potential identity redefinition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of the pandemic on individuals' lives across different age groups.
- To test the hypothesis that the pandemic experience was a significant disequilibrating life event and a biographical turning point.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods approach using a custom 14-question online survey.
- Data collected from 41 participants (87% female, average age 40.71) in the Campania region.
- Categorical content analysis with a top-down approach by two independent coders, comparing age groups.
Main Results:
- Pandemic experiences were confirmed as disequilibrating life events.
- These experiences activated adaptive resources for identity reconsideration, with age-based variations.
- Three distinct clusters emerged, highlighting young adults and the elderly as most vulnerable.
Conclusions:
- The pandemic acted as a catalyst for identity reconsideration, presenting both challenges and adaptive opportunities.
- Age significantly influences the experience of the pandemic, with younger and older individuals facing heightened risks.
- The study underscores the profound psychological and social impact of the pandemic on Italian adults.
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