COVID-19: Common Constructions of the Pandemic and Their Implications

Abstract

This theoretical analysis interprets people’s experience of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of the professional constructs derived from personal construct theory (PCT) by referring, in particular, to the transitions featured in this theory in the form of threat, anxiety, guilt, hostility, and aggression. The most common constructions used by the general public and on social media, as well as the implications of such use, are interpreted within a PCT framework. Particular attention is paid to the metaphors of war and punishment, and to the hypotheses of conspiracy and opportunity. Constraints and possibilities of each construction are explored, together with the alternative constructions of COVID-19 as a turning point, responsibility, solidarity, care, empathy, and presence, which are promoted by the opportunity hypothesis. This may offer new possibilities for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the restrictions imposed in order to contain the contagion, and future scenarios.

Acknowledgements

This work was carried out within the scope of the project "Use-inspired basic research", for which the Dept. of General Psychology of the University of Padova has been recognized as "Department of Excellence" by the Ministry of University and Research. The authors would like to thank Gabriele Chiari, Michael Mascolo, and David Winter for their useful suggestions and revisions.