Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy
Open Access

Abstract

A Study on the Living Experiences of People during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Wolisso Town Home-Stayed University Students

Debela Lemesa Fura* and Solomon Desalegn Negash

Since its outbreak in Wuhan, China in December 2019, the COVID-19 has been enormously spreading all over the world affecting several facets of humans. The purpose of this study therefore was to explore living experiences of home stayed university students in Wolisso town using the qualitative, phenomenological approach, secondary and primary dataset. In-depth telephone interview and Facebook conversation using semi-structured items were used to gather data from a purposeful sample of eight (five male and three female) participants. After coding and transcription, interview data were organized and thematically structured manually. The findings from this study indicated that university students have been facing challenges and the COVID-19 has been affecting the psychological, social and academic functioning of the students. In addition, the findings revealed that students have been utilizing some coping strategies including cognitive-behavioral activities, seeking and giving social supports and building positive relationships and enhancing social connections with friends, family, professionals or physically with people in need during COVID-19 crisis through email, social media (Facebook, telegram) or SMS text. Finally, based on the key challenges discussed, implications of the findings/recommendations were suggested.

Published Date: 2020-09-21; Received Date: 2020-08-17