Purpose in Life Renewal for COVID-19 Survivors: A Feasibility Study
People who experienced COVID-19 may have purpose disruption, which is important to health and wellbeing. This study examined three dimensions of the feasibility of a purpose renewal intervention (Compass Course): acceptability, implementability, and preliminary efficacy. This study used a prospective pretest–posttest design with people who experienced COVID-19. Intervention consisted of 8-group sessions ( n = 27). Standardized measures of meaning and purpose at pretest, posttest, and 2-month follow-up were collected. The intervention was implemented as planned. Those who completed the sessions ( n = 16) reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention (median overall satisfaction rating of 9.5/10). Participants made statistically significant pre–post changes in two measures of purpose in life and one measure of post-traumatic growth, but not self-efficacy. Results suggest that implementation of the Compass Course was feasible and acceptable, and further studies related to purpose renewal for persons after COVID-19 are warranted.
Authors
- Sharon Gowdy Wagener (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2069-1756)
- Mattie Anheluk
- Sandra Castro‐Pearson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9913-3409)
- Joe Yunek
- Joette Zola
- Kristina Kath
- Kim Grabe
- Mary Vining Radomski (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0600-4494)
- Alisa Kocian
- Libby Lindenfelser
- Ginger Carroll
- Jennifer Rademacher
- Brie Somlai
Institutions
- Allina Health (US)
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (US)
- Brighton Hospital (US)
- Center for Neurorehabilitation Services (US)
- Minneapolis VA Medical Center (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- OTJR Occupational Therapy Journal of Research
- Published
- 2026-07-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1177/15394492261464079
- Primary Topic
- COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00