This study was conducted to explore the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic impacted families during April to May 2020. Specifically, this study aimed to explore how individuals and families were coping with social isolation and lifestyle changes. We sought to identify how psychosocial predictors influenced individuals’ levels of perceived stress under social isolation and whether social support (i.e., from family members, friends, or relatives) would serve as a buffer of perceived stress. Factors of depression, loneliness, perceived stress, and social support were measured using their respective scales, with an anonymous survey through Qualtrics. Major findings of this study showed that vulnerable populations in our society (e.g., non-whites, less educated, non-married, unemployed, more stressed due to money) were more likely to report higher levels of depressive symptomatology, loneliness, and perceived stress, compared to their counterparts. These socially vulnerable populations also reported lower levels of social support than their counterparts. Concluding these findings, it was evident that social support during that time was an imperative protective factor in relation to mental health; higher perceived stress was connected less to fear of contracting the virus and more to the stresses of financial stability. It is imperative to note that the very concerns seen in this study where vulnerable populations were greatly affected by the factors mentioned above, still persist and have continued to evolve throughout the start of the pandemic to now. From disproportionate effects to challenges exposed by the virus, these results are important to note and recognize moving on past the pandemic. Since I intend to enter the medical field, having this lense and perspective in being aware of factors that impact populations beyond their diagnosis, will be important in treating my future patients.
Authors: Petrina Duffour, Elizabeth Hudelson, Rakhsha Khatri, Erica Kruszewki, Audrey Rieger, Desi Ritchey, Tara Soria, and Cassidy White
Faculty Advisors: Elise Radina, Family Science and Social Work, Miami University, Oxford OH. En-Jung Shon, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul, South Korea
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