Young adults' experiences of COVID-19 related psychological stressors and coping mechanisms during the pandemic in Johannesburg

Abstract

Despite increased knowledge about the COVID-19 pandemic itself, knowledge about its impact on mental health is still lacking in South Africa. This study, thus, sought to understand young adults’ experiences of COVID-19-related psychological stressors, trauma, and coping mechanisms used to deal with such stressors. The study was conducted in Orange Farm, South of Johannesburg in the Gauteng province, South Africa. The study population consisted of young adults aged between 18 and 35. Snowball sampling was employed as it is a convenient method for accessing hard-to-reach populations. A sample of 10 young adults was recruited for the current study. This study was qualitative and employed a semi-structured interview technique to explore young adults’ experiences with COVID-19-related psychological stress and trauma. Data was analysed and interpreted using a thematic analysis. Major themes that have emerged from the data analysis include: the changes in perceptions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the experience of psychological stressors due to the pandemic; the coping mechanisms that were used by young adults; positive outcomes from the pandemic; and the long-term effects of the psychological stressors experienced. The study also highlighted the various coping mechanisms that were employed to deal with the stressors brought on by the pandemic. The current study findings have implications for policymaking to mitigate pandemic-related stressors and ensure the psychological well-being of young adults in future pandemics.