Exploring Polyvagal's Theory in Immigrants' Experiences of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract The College of Researchers for Development Society (CORDS) explores the experiences and effects of COVID-19 on Canadians. A section of the study explores and examines the COVID-19 experiences of immigrants in Alberta. The study examined Albertans' response to the coronavirus crisis – experiences that may invoke the social dimensions around safety and danger theory (Polyvagal's Theory): flight, freeze, or fight or engage when faced with a life-threatening and challenging situation. It is anchored in the assumption that when a social barometer of engagement is triggered, citizens become proactive in managing obstacles, thus enabling them to be resilient and overcome challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific interests in this paper focused on the pandemic experiences of the immigrant participants during the coronavirus pandemic -- thematic findings around coping range from fight to positive engagement and resilient response.