Gains and losses: a phenomenographic study on adolescents’ understanding of isolation due to COVID-19

What is it about?

The COVID-19 outbreak had a significant global health impact, affecting millions of individuals. In the Philippines, the closure of schools due to the pandemic has resulted in children and adolescents being confined to their homes for over two years under quarantine measures. Numerous studies have examined the effects of isolation on the physical and emotional well- being of individuals, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. However, there is a dearth of research exploring how adolescents understand their experiences during isolation. This phenomenographic study seeks to delve into the various ways in which Filipino adolescents understand their isolation experiences. Seventeen adolescents undergoing quarantine were interviewed for this study, and through phenomenographic analysis, an outcome space emerged that views isolation from the perspective of gains and losses revealing a hierarchy of expanding awareness regarding different dimensions of isolation. The adolescents' descriptions highlighted that isolation is perceived as (1) a constraint, (2) a necessity, and (3) an opportunity, all of which have an impact on their physical, emotional, and social well-being. The findings of this study may serve as a guide for designing programs and interventions to assist adolescents in coping with potential negative emotions during and after periods of isolation, promote their well-being, and facilitate a smoother transition post-quarantine.

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