The amount of emotional and psychological changes that women have gone through during the pandemic are innumerous. While on a regular day the life of a South Asian woman is full of multitasking and tremendous societal perspectives surrounding her, what exactly must have been the change in the psychology of women in the last 20 plus months? Asian Voice spoke to Priya Ahmed, PhD Health Psychology, Teesside University about it.
Priya is a PhD student currently studying at Teesside University. Her project is exploring the role psycho-social cultural factors play in South Asians’ dietary behaviour. Her main interests are type 2 diabetes and developing preventative lifestyle interventions using behaviour change models to improve health outcomes for the South Asian population.
How do you think the pandemic has impacted the psychology of women?
The global pandemic as we know it, highlighted the structural inequalities in our society. Women and girls are always at a risk of facing disproportionate health and social consequences in times of crisis. From juggling home commitments to front line jobs as nurses and teachers, questions are raised to address social security for the crucial role a woman plays in society. Women’s mental health will have been negatively impacted as the gap between gender inequalities continues to amplify.
What role do extended periods of isolation and lack of human touch play in the possible changes in a woman as compared to a man?
It is difficult to say for certain the impact extended periods of isolation can play in women compared to men. We can agree women and men have different coping strategies when it comes to dealing with a range of different mental health problems or life circumstances.
Women had to don several hats during the pandemic (especially South Asians) to juggle work, home and personal life. Is the female mind designed to multitask?
Is this simply a myth? Juggling priorities may be more contextual based as opposed to gender. There is psychological research suggesting differences in mental functioning between males and females. However, understanding how effective one gender is in multitasking compared to the other depends on the situation.
Many women have been victims of abuse or PTSD amid the pandemic. Do you think some of them have gathered courage to reach out to a mental health expert? If not, why?
The restrictions caused by the pandemic resulted in an alarming rise in domestic violence leaving women and girls at a higher risk of violence and abuse. We know this much that calls to domestic violence helplines surged however we cannot explicitly say if this has encouraged women to reach out to mental health services without further evidence.
What role does nutrition play in one's mental health?
The relationship between good nutrition and mental health is a new area of research being backed by the medical field. Women more than men need a good diet to function and minimise mental distress in their daily life. This is because women need a greater variety and level of nutrients to support their emotional wellbeing according to evidence.
What are the cultural health factors that play a key role in shaping a woman's psychology?
The interaction between psychological and social factors result in different cultural influences impacting on women’s health, at different stages in their life. Defining the role of women differs across western and eastern cultures. Alongside this, how women prioritise their own health and wellbeing will also be dictated by social and cultural norms in society. This may include health beliefs women may hold towards their own health. Practising their own religion or spirituality which may dictate their lifestyle.
