Psychological Effects of COVID-19 on Generation Y in Turkey: A Qualitative Research Study

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic had various psychological effects on people because of uncertainty, social distance, restrictions, quarantine periods, etc. This study focuses on the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on generation Y, who mainly prioritize individualism, freedom, and career advancement. Phenomenology, a qualitative research pattern, was used as the research method. The data regarding this research were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 participants from generation Y, who were selected through purposeful sampling. The data obtained in this research were defined, analysed, and reported through the thematic analysis method. This study reveals the overall situation by describing the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as direct (emotional state, social isolation, maintaining physical and mental health, expectation) and indirect (social interaction, habits, personal development, and change) effects on generation Y in Turkey. The results of the research showed that the perceptions of generation Y in Turkey on daily life practices have changed, and they developed strategies to cope with the COVID-19 process, change, and stress and to maintain their physical and mental health. In this sense, this study contains significant points to be considered for developing strategies for generation Y. It draws attention to the psychological effects of the pandemic on generations. Key words: COVID-19, pandemic, mental health, psychological effects, generation Y. JEL code: I 12, I 31