Social-Physical Distancing and Psychological Well-Being of Africans during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Conceptual View

Psychological well-being is fundamental to survival behaviors, quality ties with others, and social support interactions. It entails substantial elements for optimal flourishing. Yet little attention is given to the well-being of Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic, considering Africans perceive a sense of environmental control and positive relationships with others as signs of living a purposeful and meaningful life. The present paper's aim was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychological well-being of Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures.|METHOD:Searching four databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus) with the keywords "mental health," "well-being", "COVID-19," "pandemic," "social distancing," and "Africa" in articles published between 2019 and 2021. Eligible studies were critically assessed for methodological quality before inclusion. Studies outside these specified years were excluded from the search because of their non-inclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic.|RESULTS:Findings revealed the development of a conceptual view of the psychological well-being of Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic that includes four key components: (1) individual factors, such as pre-existing mental health conditions, coping strategies, and social support, that may influence psychological well-being; (2) societal and cultural factors, such as stigma and discrimination, that may impact mental health outcomes; (3) the impact of social distancing measures on mental health, including isolation and loneliness, economic stressors, and changes in daily routines; and (4) potential interventions to promote psychological well-being, such as teletherapy and online support groups.|CONCLUSION:It is suggested that academics and policymakers exercise caution when using social-physical distancing as a one-size-fits-all solution to combat COVID-19 or future pandemics. Thus, due to turbulent times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that academics begin to make concerted efforts to investigate the social identities of people, paying closer attention to unique activities or practices that ensure their happiness. Overall, we suggest a greater incorporation of community-based interventions, whereby cultural beliefs and practices are introduced to promote mental health and well-being in African populations.