SHOULD THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC BE CONSIDERED A TRAUMATIC STRESSOR? SOME CONCERNS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Authors

  • Ashraf Kagee Stellenbosch University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15270/60-1-1245

Keywords:

Covid-19, distress, pandemic, post-traumatic stress, trauma

Abstract

This opinion article argues that it may not be appropriate to regard the Covid-19 pandemic as a traumatic stressor. Persons diagnosed with Covid-19 have typically been concerned about events that might have occurred in the future such as severe illness, hospitalisation and death, access to treatment, the welfare of dependents, and stigma and discrimination. Their concerns are thus future-oriented rather than anchored to a past traumatic event, which is the requirement for a diagnosis of PTSD. If the criteria for what is considered a traumatic stressor are widened, there is
a risk that the concept of trauma may become so diluted that many events, even mildly distressing ones, may be regarded as traumatic. Social workers and other health professionals should take these matters into account when attending to the emotional and psychological needs of persons affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Author Biography

Ashraf Kagee, Stellenbosch University

Department of Psychology

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Published

2024-03-26

How to Cite

Kagee, A. . (2024). SHOULD THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC BE CONSIDERED A TRAUMATIC STRESSOR? SOME CONCERNS FOR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. Social Work/Maatskaplike Werk, 60(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.15270/60-1-1245

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Section

Articles