The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified socio-economic disparities in the U.S., with individuals from minority groups disproportionately affected (Hoyt et al., 2021). The purpose of the present longitudinal qualitative study (N = 32) was to assess the long-term psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of first-year students (Class of 2024), from socio-demographic minority groups (e.g., race-ethnicity, sexual orientation, first-generation, low-income). The goal of the present study was to explore the perceived impact of the pandemic on students’ ability to form new relationships following their first semester at university. Participants were recruited from a liberal arts university on the east coast, through social media and completed a brief online survey and a 50-minute interview. Responses to the question, “How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected your ability to form new relationships?” were analyzed using thematic analysis and revealed 5 main themes:
1. Gratitude for opportunities to connect with others
2. Nostalgia for face-to-face communication
3. Challenges with digital communication and online learning
4. Hopeful Outlook
5. Desire for more fulfilling relationships
Overall, students from socio-demographic minority groups expressed mixed feelings about their interpersonal adjustment during COVID. While there was evidence of gratitude for opportunities to connect online, students reportedly craved face-to-face interactions and some struggled to expand the diversity/breadth of their social networks amidst COVID-19 regulations. Understanding the long-term implications of interpersonal adjustment among students from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds will provide important information for developing effective interventions that support the optimal transition of minority students across university.
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