Proceedings of The 7th International Conference on Social Sciences in the 21st Century
Year: 2023
DOI:
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Exploring Identity Development and Optimism in the Pandemic Era: A Phenomenological Analysis of Greek University Students
Vasiliki Adamou
ABSTRACT:
While transitioning within a period of proactive exploration of adult responsibilities,university students face the primary psychosocial task of developing a coherent identity. The emergence of COVID-19 and the sequelae of restrictive measures posed supplementary demands to this developmental phase thus may have probably disrupted this normative transition. The purpose of this cross-cultural study was to evaluate the impact of this health crisis on young Greek university students, to evaluate the levels of anxiety and psychological instability and provide insight of the developmental repercussions of this global phenomenon. Fifteen qualitative interviews were recorded and transcribed with an aim to capture the lived pandemic experiences of young Greek university students ever since COVID-19 was introduced into our lives. Qualitative thematic analysis based on a descriptive phenomenological approach answered several questions that were the main objectives of this study. Identity development was assessed using both optimal and suboptimal processes and statuses. Purposefully we selected, only participants who had relocated from their temporary housing in the location they studied and moved back with parents or family. The analysis revealed five superordinate themes: Trapped in Adolescence, Diffused Individuals, Rumination, Developmental and Mental Health Considerations and Positive Adaptation after Negative Life Events and several other sub-themes that fell upon each category. Findings are discussed so as to capture how such unique experiences impact mental and developmental outcomes since this health crisis is still ongoing. Further research appears as a mandate to sufficiently comprehend whether the effects are chronic or longstanding ones.
keywords: Emerging Adults, COVID-19, mental health, identity development, optimism