An emerging theoretical lens post global epidemic and turmoil: Psychological immunity.
Yi Xiao, Wei Wang, Xiping Hu
Abstract
Open AccessThe concept of psychological immunity is not a new idea. In response to the escalating conflicts and chaos that characterizes this era, we conducted this study and reviewed psychological immunity theory from the perspective of psychiatry, psychology, and philosophy. We found that growing evidence has demonstrated the connection between biological and psychological immunity process. This indicates an integrated immunity system that has developed over time for survival in both physical and metaphysical sense. The process-oriented conceptualization of psychological immunity is presented, as well as its intra- and inter-mechanism. We also discussed research, practice, and policy potentials of this field and advocated for its protective application at individual and societal level. Limitations and future research were addressed accordingly.