Date of Award

6-2024

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

First Advisor

Glinda Rawls, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Jennipher Wiebold, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Wanda Hadley, Ph.D.

Keywords

Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, chronic illness and disability, counseling services treatments and support, long COVID, mental health, phenomenology

Abstract

In the United States, approximately 1 in 13 long COVID patients experience adverse complications two to three years post-recovery (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022), including physical, psychological, and cognitive impairment, issues with daily functioning, and difficulties returning to work (del Rio et al., 2020; Greenhalgh et al., 2020; Ladds et al., 2020; Logue et al., 2021). Moreover, collective research has indicated the debilitating complications of long COVID often result in impaired mental health, chronic illness, and disability. While significant research efforts have started to accumulate data to understand and treat the physical and neuro-logical manifestations of this chronic disease (Davis et al., 2023), the associated mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD that are commonly associated with long COVID have been largely unaddressed (Weill Cornell Medicine, 2022). Currently, there is no standard protocol for mental health practitioners working with long COVID patients.

An interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) design was utilized to capture participants’ narratives, shedding light on the unique challenges faced by eleven individuals living with long COVID. This study differed from other empirical literature in that it aimed to understand the holistic experience of individuals who developed long COVID. Hence, Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory (1977) was used to examine how multiple aspects of individuals’ environmental systems (e.g., family, friends, community, culture, and society) foster or obstruct well-being and disability adaptation. The study utilized semi-structured interviews and a focus group to better understand the experience of long COVID patients as they adapted to their illness. More specifically, the study sought to identify factors at different ecological levels that influence long COVID outcomes either positively or negatively. In addition, the research provided new insight into the mental health and psychosocial challenges that emerged as the participants made sense of their long COVID condition. Lastly, this study identifies the most effective services, treatments, and supports mental health professionals provided to long COVID patients and their families.

The results of the study produced five major themes and thirteen sub-themes. Major findings from the study included participants’ reports of personal obstacles, societal barriers, and discrimination in assessing treatment options for their long COVID condition, particularly regarding services to address their long COVID mental health needs. In addition, the study provides an increased understanding of individuals’ perceptions and experience with mental health providers, specifically highlighting the services and interventions that were most helpful in adjusting to life with long COVID. Conclusions drawn from this study support a comprehensive and informed approach from counselors, emphasizing the need to validate the lived experience of long COVID patients and help them advocate for their wellbeing. Recommendations for institutions, policy makers, counselor education programs, and mental health professionals are offered, and suggestions for future research are given.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

Download

Share

COinS