The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges across the globe, affecting individuals and communities in myriad ways. Among those most impacted are emerging adults, particularly those living in disadvantaged communities. As practitioners, understanding the resilience mechanisms employed by these young individuals can provide valuable insights into supporting their mental health and development.
Insights from South African Emerging Adults
A recent study conducted with 24 emerging adults in a South African township sheds light on how these individuals managed the psychological and economic risks during the pandemic's lockdown phases. Through digital diaries and interviews, participants shared their experiences of dealing with contagion fears, livelihood threats, and the feeling of having their lives put on hold.
The study revealed that resilience was fostered through personal and collective compliance with health guidelines, generous ways-of-being rooted in community values, and tolerance-facilitators that helped them cope with disruptions. These strategies were deeply influenced by the situational and cultural context of their environment.
Implementing Findings in Practice
Practitioners can enhance their skills by integrating these findings into their practice. Here are some actionable steps:
- Promote Community Engagement: Encourage clients to engage with their community networks. The study highlighted the importance of informal social systems—family, friends, neighbors—in providing emotional and material support.
- Culturally Aligned Interventions: Design interventions that respect and incorporate cultural values such as Ubuntu, which emphasizes community interdependence and generosity.
- Support Personal Agency: Empower clients to take proactive steps in managing their stressors. This could include maintaining routines or engaging in activities that promote mental well-being.
- Address Structural Barriers: Advocate for improved access to resources such as safe spaces for exercise or reliable public services that can alleviate some of the structural challenges faced by disadvantaged communities.
The Role of Online Therapy
Online therapy services like those provided by TinyEYE can play a crucial role in supporting emerging adults during such challenging times. By offering accessible mental health support, therapists can help clients build resilience through tailored interventions that consider both individual and systemic factors.
Encouraging Further Research
The findings from this study underscore the need for continued research into resilience among emerging adults, particularly within diverse cultural contexts. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this growing body of knowledge by exploring how different environments and cultural practices influence resilience mechanisms.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Resilience to COVID-19-related stressors: Insights from emerging adults in a South African township.
