Ugnayan: A Positive Psychological Program for Enhancing the Well-Being of Filipino COVID-19 Survivors

Abstract

COVID-19 survivors are prone to psychological distress even after recovery. This study developed and tested an online program, entitled Ugnayan, that aimed to enhance Covid-19 survivors’ well-being. Ugnayan incorporated the well-being elements of positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning, and accomplishments/achievement (PERMA) based on Seligman’s (2011) framework. The study employed an explanatory-sequential approach with a quasi-experimental design. The quasi-experimental involved a mixed design (within and between subjects) where PERMA scores were measured. As a supplemental, qualitative data from selected participants were collected after the post-intervention. Using a mixed-model ANOVA, the results suggested that there was a significant difference between the participants’ pre-test and post-test PERMA scores. There was also a significant difference in PERMA scores in terms of symptomatology. Additionally, there was a significant interaction of effects between the Ugnayan program and the participants’ COVID-19 symptomatology. The qualitative data highlighted the participants’ improvement-related experiences which were related to gratitude, stress management, social connection, engaging in activities, finding purpose, meaning, and acknowledging small wins. Recommendations for further research and utilization of the Ugnayan program for the general population were also offered.