COVID-19 and Psychological Distress in Africa

COVID-19 and Psychological Distress in Africa

Communitarian Perspectives

Edited By Yamikani Ndasauka

“COVID-19 and Psychological Distress in Africa: Communitarian Perspectives” edited by Yamikani Ndasauka is a comprehensive examination of how African communitarian values have influenced the region’s mental health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The book delves into various aspects of psychological distress and mental health within the context of African communalism, critiquing the role of media and misinformation in shaping mental health outcomes during the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of localizing mental health systems to address the specific needs and cultural contexts of African communities, arguing for a balance between collective solidarity and individual well-being to enhance overall mental health resilience.

The work is structured into multiple chapters, each tackling different facets of the pandemic’s impact—from the sociodemographic correlates of depression to the psychological effects of crisis communication and misinformation. The book serves as a resource for scholars, postgraduate students, and researchers in fields such as psychology, public health policy, cultural studies, and the sociology of pandemics.