Exploring the Experiences of Social Isolation and Loneliness of Postsecondary Students with Disabilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Date
2022-07-06
Authors
Demerling, Grace
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Abstract
In a study of the experiences of loneliness and social isolation of postsecondary undergraduate students with disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, 7 students with disabilities participated in phenomenological interviews to express their experiences during the pandemic. Interview data provided insight into the lived experiences of participants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses were analyzed using a descriptive phenomenological approach, resulting in 4 meta themes and 10 themes. Findings were discussed in relation to the developmental period of emerging adulthood and a new model for sustainable mental health proposed by Bohlmeijer and Westerhof (2021). Recommendations for the postsecondary institution attended by the participants are also discussed.
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Keywords
COVID-19, Loneliness, Social Isolation, Disabilities, post secondary students, inclusion, undergraduate, mental health, wellbeing, emerging adulthood, phenomenology, qualitative