SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE OUTBREAK OF COVID-19: ISSUES, CHALLENGES AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

The outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) occurred in the capital of Hubei province in China in December 2019, and has since engulfed almost all sectors of society across the globe, irrespective of age, sex, race, religion, or color. Exposure to COVID-19 has increased the risk of numerous socio-psychological problems such as the risk of domestic violence, suicidal behavior, social stigma and discrimination, human-rights-related challenges and crime, depression, anxiety, stress, phobias, confusion, traumatic events, and other mental health problems. This article describes the socio-psychological implications pertaining to the spread of coronavirus, how it has caused numerous deaths, and how developing and developed countries alike have imposed lockdowns, curfews, and restrictions on public movement, affecting markets, workplaces, construction sites, and transport facilities, while members of society have been instructed to maintain social distance, adversely affecting their day-to-day lives. This study is based on a comprehensive review of literature, as well as data regarding the socio-psychological implications of COVID-19. The study concludes that the outbreak of COVID-19 has catastrophic socio-psychological implications, especially in developing countries, where the vulnerable in society are hit hard. The study suggests that there is a great need for the attention of policy makers and planners in relation to responding to the COVID-19 crisis.