Explaining the Relationship Between Psychological Empowerment and the Resilience of Rural Residents Against COVID-19: (Case Study: the Kenvist Villages, Mashhad Township)

Imani, Bahram; Gholriz, Tayebeh

Explaining the Relationship Between Psychological Empowerment and the Resilience of Rural Residents Against COVID-19: (Case Study: the Kenvist Villages, Mashhad Township)

Document Type : Origional Article

Authors

Bahram Imani ¹ ^¶

Tayebeh Gholriz ²

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Geography and Rural Planning,, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.

² Ph.D. Candidate in Rural Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Mohaghegh Ardabili University, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: Empowering rural communities is a highly strategic approach to developing the full potential of society, enabling individuals and groups to become capable and resilient. In this context, maintaining resilience is an essential skill. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between psychological empowerment and the resilience of rural residents against COVID-19. The study area includes the villages of the Kanavist Rural District in Mashhad Township.
Methodology: The research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive in terms of methodology. The study population consists of 4,712 individuals living in 11 villages of Kanavist, Mashhad Township. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 302 individuals was selected through simple random sampling. The research method is based on a researcher-made questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by university professors, and the composite reliability (CR) for all variables was above 0.7, indicating satisfactory internal consistency and reliability among the items.
Findings and Results: For data analysis, structural equation modeling (SEM) using PLS software and SPSS were employed. The results indicate a significant and positive relationship between self-determination and resilience (path coefficient = 0.476, t = 2.857), between meaningfulness and resilience (path coefficient = 0.319, t = 3.964), and between impact and resilience (path coefficient = 0.521, t = 2.371). However, no significant relationship was found between self-esteem, trust, and competence with resilience. Based on the analysis, practical recommendations have been provided.

Keywords

Psychological Empowerment

Rural Resilience

COVID-19

Kanavist Villages

Mashhad Township

Subjects

Rural Planning

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