Preface

Today, much research is being conducted in the psychological, psychiatric, medical, anthropological, and sociological fields on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on people's mental and physical health, a period characterized by uncertainty and anxiety. This book provides a comprehensive overview of this topic by exploring research, theories, biopsychosocial perspectives, and intercultural studies about the pandemic period. First, the book analyzes updates from research and clinics on how psychological distress and resilience develop in different contemporary cultural and anthropological contexts. Second, it examines the human potential and its associations with mental health. Third, it investigates the interaction of demographic variables along different psychological and social trajectories to obtain detailed information on risk factors for the development of mental illness and existential distress. Finally, the book provides an overview of risk factors and epidemiology for prevention to promote a better quality of life, resilience, and psychological wellbeing of the general population during this period.

> **Fabio Gabrielli** Professor, School of Management, LUM Jean Monnet University, Casamassima, Italy

> > **Floriana Irtelli**

Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan Italy

Section 1 Introduction

#### **Chapter 1**
