Identifying the Cognitive Reactions of Physicians Recovered from Covid-19: A Phenomenological Study

Health care workers are at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19 disease. The purpose of this study was to identify the cognitive reactions of physicians who have recovered from Covid-19 disease.

In the present study, the phenomenological method was used. The population of this study included physicians recovering from Covid-19 disease in Yazd city. 13 people were selected by purposive sampling and interviewed unstructured and in-depth. In orde to analyze the data, Colaizzi method was used.

Data analysis led to the production of 2 main themes, 12 sub-themes and 40 basic concepts. The first theme was "Adaptive Cognitive Reactions." Adaptive cognitive reactions included a set of reactions that included sub-themes: 1- sublime thought, 2- self-compassion, 3- Transcending the self, 4- cognitive ability, and 5- triumphant self-belief. The second major theme was "Mmaladaptive Cognitive Reactions." Mmaladaptive cognitive reactions included a set of reactions that were sub-themes: 1- Cognitive distortions, 2- Rumination, 3- Doubt, 4- Distrust, 5- Blame, 6- Mental dissatisfaction 7- Mental confusion.

Overall, the results of this study showed that the experience of patients with Covid-19 has a wide range of adaptive cognitive reactions and maladaptive cognitive reactions, and these reactions are sometimes similar and in some reactions different. This research is an approach to continue the study of psychological reactions and the development of intervention protocols in this field.