Abstract

HUMBOLDT, Sofia von et al. Perception of self-growth during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-cultural study with older adults. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.2, pp.481-487.  Epub Sep 30, 2022. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/22psd230217.

The Covid-19 pandemic emerged globally, thus affecting the self-growth of the older population. The aim of this study is to identify and to analyze older adults’ self-growth of two nationalities: Mexican and Portuguese. In this study, 226 elderly people aged 65 years or older and living in the community participated. A cross-cultural qualitative study was performed through a semi-structured interview protocol. Participants were asked about their perception of their self-growth during the pandemic. A content analysis was performed and the central themes were identified. The following themes emerged: (1) Sharing life experiences; (2) Quality affective relationship; (3) Spirituality and religion; (4) Being active; (5) Interest in new projects; and (6) Civic participation. Older participants with Mexican nationality reported that the sharing of life experiences as the most relevant theme, while for the Portuguese participants, having a quality affective relationship was more important. This study showed the heterogeneity of experiences experienced by each culture, highlighting the self-growth of older adults in the pandemic period.

Keywords : Covid-19; Cross-cultural study; Older adults; Pandemic; Perception; Qualitative study; Self-growth.

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