Experiences of Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Avoidance and self-isolation are often adapted as safety behaviours to manage social anxiety. However, such safety behaviours were actively encouraged throughout the COVID-19 outbreak to reduce the spread of infection. This study aims to explore the impact of pandemic-related social isolation among anxious and non-anxious university students. Participants were screened using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7) and allocated to anxious and non-anxious groups based on their scores. Fifteen participants (9 female and 6 male) were interviewed remotely (mean age=28.6). The study found that whilst social anxiety and anxiety about pandemic related socialising co-occurred, there were no distinct differences between the two groups. Instead, intragroup difference (the impact of COVID-19, adaptability, and self-development) differentiated participants’ experiences. An increased desire for human connection, online communication, and the perspective of others were protective factors against the development of social anxiety related to pandemic lockdown for participants, regardless of their group. This research develops the field in understanding early pandemic experiences and its link to social distancing and isolation practices.