Exploring Youths’ Enantiodromia and Passive Coping in Venice City During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study
Keywords:
Enantiodromia; Passive Coping; Psychosocial Adjustment; Youth; COVID-19Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as an unprecedented global health crisis, affecting not only physical health but also the psychological resilience of societies. Particularly among youths, the crisis has intensified existing psychosocial vulnerabilities, often manifesting as enantiodromia—acting contrary to recommended norms—and passive coping mechanisms. This study aimed to explore how these patterns among youths in Venice City contributed to poor psychosocial adjustment and potentially accelerated the spread of COVID-19. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, data were collected through interviews, transect walk observations, and targeted surveillance of indoor recreational centers and khat-selling areas. Findings revealed that cognitive and behavioral passive coping, combined with oppositional behavior (enantiodromia), acted as underlying psychosocial processes exacerbating public health challenges during the pandemic.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Andreas Michieletto (Author)
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