Exploring university staff’s experiences of interpersonal interactions and its contribution to their well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study explores the significance of social relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on individual well-being. The unprecedented restrictions on physical interaction and the challenges it created in sustaining meaningful connections highlighted the importance of exploring how individuals adapted to these circumstances. Through semi-structured interviews with five participants, rich insights into their lived experiences were gathered. Qualitative data was collected and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA), a method that emphasizes the researcher's active role in creating themes. The study included two main themes from participants’ lockdown experiences. Namely, Familial Relationships, which encompassed bonding, gratitude, loneliness, support, fitness, loss, and the role of social media/ technology in maintaining connections. The second theme, Professional/ Collegial Relationships, highlighted contrasting experiences of support and lack of support in the workplace. The findings revealed that maintaining social connections, both personal and professional, was essential for psychological resilience and overall well-being during the crisis. Importantly, the results align with existing literature, highlighting the vital role of social support systems in navigating periods of prolonged uncertainty and isolation in both our personal and professional lives.