BEYOND THE PANDEMIC: LIFE POST COVID-19 THROUGH LOSS, GRIEF AND ADJUSTMENT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7i2.1113Keywords:
resilience, adaptation, grief, mental health, COVID-19Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a tremendous influence on worldwide social, economic, and healthcare systems, resulting in broad post-pandemic difficulties. This qualitative study investigates the adaptation, resilience, and coping techniques of Malaysians who have endured substantial loss and grief during and following the pandemic. Using semi-structured interviews with individuals aged 21 to 58, consisting of both male and female participants, the study finds major themes such as adaptation and resilience, shifting societal norms, and coping methods used to manage post-pandemic living. A thematic analysis was conducted to code relevant themes to the studies objectives discovering that overcoming adversity required personal growth, lifestyle modifications, and professional adaptability. Furthermore, the study underlines changes in cultural expectations, particularly those related to job, social connections, and mental health considering shifting norms such as hybrid and working from home. The findings highlight the necessity of understanding individuals' various perspectives and solutions for dealing with the pandemic's ongoing challenges or when considering moving ahead and putting these challenges behind them. This study adds to the increasing body of research on post-pandemic recovery and its effects on mental health by providing insights into the lived experiences of persons navigating life after COVID-19.
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Copyright (c) 2026 ZHEN FOONG RAYMOND FOO, IAN SHEN GOH, JANAK ASHOK TECKWANI, MAHPARA REYAZ KHAN, AHMAD MUSTAQIM YUSOFF, ZAINAH AHMAD ZAMANI
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
