Finding Meaning Amidst COVID-19: An Existential Positive Psychology Model of Suffering
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-10-2021
Publication Source
Frontiers in Psychology
Volume Number
12
E-ISSN
16641078
Article Number
641747
Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis of suffering. We conceptualize suffering as a deeply existential issue that fundamentally changes people indelible ways and for which there are no easy solutions. To better understand its effects and how people can flourish in the midst of this crisis, we formally introduce and elaborate on an Existential Positive Psychology Model of Suffering (EPPMS) and apply that to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Our model has three core propositions: (a) suffering reveals existential concerns, (b) existential anxiety impairs one's ability to find meaning, and (c) cultivating meaning is the primary way to address suffering and allay existential anxiety, eventually leading to flourishing (and potentially growth). We apply this model to the COVID-19 pandemic, including how to build meaning, and discuss clinical implications.
Keywords
COVID-19, existential psychology, positive psychology, positive psychology (PP2.0), suffering
Recommended Citation
Published in: Frontiers in Psychology, Volume 12, March 10, 2021.
