Sociocultural Influences of the Psychological Responses of the COVID-19 Pandemic in India

Abstract

This chapter explores how specific cultural perceptions of disease, and policies grounded in these cultural perceptions, can explain the psychological responses and distress of the Indian population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific cultural perceptions and policies in India during the pandemic and their contributions to psychological distress are examined using Phillip Strong's model of Epidemic Psychology as an analytical framework. The overarching cultural perception of disease as a battle is particularly explored, looking into past cultural and political factors that gave rise to the adoption of militaristic metaphors. Secondary influences of the battle metaphor are also investigated, with a focus on how existing religious, caste, and racial tensions were exacerbated. This leads to government recommendations for policies and directives that acknowledge the sociocultural roots of psychological distress in efforts to reduce psychological distress in the future.