Impact of COVID 19 on Human Behaviour & Psychology- research

There’s a lot of talk about the business, economic, or the financial aspects of this ongoing
pandemic. But the topic which is not getting sufficient attention, is the psychological &
behavioural impact this pandemic is having on each and every one of us. COVID 19 no doubt
has caused anxiety which has led to prejudices against people and communities. Such
behaviour is culminating into increased hostility and chaos. Today the most common emotion
perhaps all human beings share is fear, fear of getting infected or losing out on jobs. It has
made few people filled with panic and they are depicting hostile behaviour. As per a survey
by NHMS (National Health Mental Survey) more than 70% of people who responded to a
nationwide survey reported feeling increased worry, frustration, boredom or anxiety during
the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. If we draw a graph on human behaviour, starting from the
month of March when pandemic fear was at its peak, keeping fear on Y axis and time on X
axis then this curve is surely going to be a downward trend, now that we are accustomed to
the “new normal” .The impact generated by the COVID-19 pandemic is manifold, people are
at homes, so have less opportunity to be with their friends and get that social support that is
essential for good mental well-being. A report by Harvard Medical school suggests that
support from peers is just as effective as cognitive behaviour therapy when one is feeling
down.
Anyhow, evolving and surviving has been the essence of our existence since inception and
there’s no two thoughts about it how human behaviour is going to change drastically when
this pandemic finally rests itself. But whatever it will be, we human beings will still survive
even if there’s going to be a drastic change in the existing “normal”.

Impact of COVID 19 on Indian Economy

By any measure, COVID-19 is an unprecedented crisis. There is no iota of doubt that
outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has left the Indian economy in lurch. The economy was
already in doldrums before the pandemic struck. With the prolonged lockdowns, global
economic downturn and disruption of demand and supply chains, the economy is likely to
face a protracted period of slowdown for this fiscal period at least. There are various
projections by different agencies as to by how much the Indian economy will contract by
March 2021. Nomura Group estimates India's GDP could contract by 6.1%
The unorganized sector which comprises nearly 60 % of the working population is the most
vulnerable and affected ones. While slower growth means economic hardships and
joblessness in developed nations, in country such as India this has thrown millions of people
into poverty. In the organized sector there are companies who are protecting their employees,
customers and vendors so that impact remains minimal but there are companies who’s
suffering in the current situation is now translating into layoffs.
To reduce the impact of this menace there has been slew of measures by the central
government & RBI to revive demand. These reforms are aimed at increasing productivity &
private investments. If everything goes on right track and a vaccine is developed before the
year ends, there are projections that such reforms will help put the economy back on a 5
per cent growth path in the next fiscal.