Comparing Quality of Life and Resilience Among COVID-19 Affected and Non-Affected Populations

Abstract

This cross-sectional comparative study examined the role of resilience and religiosity (intrinsic and extrinsic) in buffering the perceived impact of COVID-19 on quality of life among 400 Pakistani adults (200 COVID-affected, 200 non-affected). Data were collected online using the COV19-QoL scale, Resilience Scale (RS-14), and Muslim Religiosity Scale. Results revealed moderate COVID-19 impact on quality of life in both groups, with no significant difference between affected and non-affected participants. However, COVID-affected individuals reported significantly lower resilience and higher extrinsic religiosity. Resilience and intrinsic religiosity strongly predicted lower perceived impact, whereas extrinsic religiosity predicted greater impact, together explaining 62% of variance. Resilience partially mediated the relationships between both dimensions of religiosity and COVID-19 impact on quality of life. Males and participants with chronic physical illness experienced greater deterioration. Findings highlight the protective role of intrinsic religiosity and resilience, and the risk associated with extrinsic religiosity, in a Muslim-majority context. Results support Faith-Resilience Theory and suggest that culturally sensitive, religiously integrated resilience-building interventions are essential for mitigating pandemic-related psychological distress.

Keywords: COVID-19, Quality of Life, Resilience, Intrinsic Religiosity, Extrinsic Religiosity, Mediation, Pakistan, Mental Health, Faith-Resilience Theory