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Research Article

Within the Realms of Uncertainties: Phenomenologizing the Lived Experiences of Covid-19 Survivors

Authors

  • Zera Nacod-am Department of Psychology, Ifugao State University, Lamut, Ifugao, Philippines
  • Anthoinette Bubod Department of Psychology, Ifugao State University, Lamut, Ifugao, Philippines
  • Sarah Lunag Department of Psychology, Ifugao State University, Lamut, Ifugao, Philippines
  • Jessa Muriel Calatan Department of Psychology, Ifugao State University, Lamut, Ifugao, Philippines
  • Donato O. Abaya Department of Psychology, Ifugao State University, Lamut, Ifugao, Philippines

    xerdon17@gmail.com

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly been triggering mental health issues. One of the worst scenarios is to become severely ill due to the COVID-19 virus, which may put someone in a life-threatening situation that may be traumatic and could affect one’s psychological well-being. This study explored the lived experiences of COVID-19 survivors before, during, and after they were infected with the COVID-19 virus using a qualitative approach, particularly transcendental phenomenology. Data was collected among 10 COVID-19 survivors through face-to-face interviews and was analyzed using Moustakas' transcendental phenomenology and analysis procedures. In the exploration of the lived experiences of the COVID-19 survivors, four themes have emerged: 1) surfacing psychological distress, 2) extreme psychological distress, 3) realizing the value of life, and 4) facing the challenges of discrimination. Two overarching themes have emerged: 1) embracing optimism and 2) boosting faith and spirituality. The remarkable outcome of this study was the development of an onion model of the lived experiences of COVID-19 survivors, which presents the connection of their experiences before, during, and after they were infected with the COVID-19 virus. It describes that the COVID-19 survivors, although they experienced life-threatening situations, remain hopeful with their outlook in life, believing that the Divine will not forsake them. It is recommended that COVID-19 survivors may undergo appropriate psychological intervention that could help them get away from the possibility of having future mental health issues. 

Keywords:

Covid-19 Psychological Distress Survivors Transcendental Phenomenology

Article information

Journal

Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Science

Volume (Issue)

2(1), (2025)

Pages

158-169

Published

20-04-2025

How to Cite

Nacod-am, Z., Bubod, A., Lunag, S., Calatan, J. M., & Abaya, D. O. (2025). Within the Realms of Uncertainties: Phenomenologizing the Lived Experiences of Covid-19 Survivors. Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Science, 2(1), 158-169. https://doi.org/10.69739/jahss.v2i1.432

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