Stories of life during the COVID-19 pandemic: Personal growth among individuals living in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland.

This article examines how 100 participants from the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland (Ticino) made sense of the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on their experiences of personal growth. Using thematic analysis of personal narratives, the study identifies three key dimensions of growth: re-establishing priorities, discovering resilience, and appreciating time, all underscored by the importance of relationships and relational health. The sample's socio-demographic characteristics—such as stable employment, high education, marital status, and living in a socio-economically stable country—provided psychological safety that facilitated this growth process. The findings highlight how supportive social contexts and resources influence meaning making during adversity and suggest implications for mental health interventions that emphasize relational support and culturally sensitive approaches.