Emotional Loneliness and Resilience among College Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The study utilized the sequential-explanatory research design in assessing the relationship between emotional loneliness and resilience of college students, along with their personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data for both methods were collected using standardized tests and semi-structured interviews, respectively. These data were then analyzed with the help of statistical analysis tools and Braun and Clarke’s method in the thematic analysis method. The quantitative study results showed no significant difference in the degree of emotional loneliness among college students. At the same time, it identified a significant difference in their level of resilience. The overall quantitative results indicated that there was indeed a significant relationship between emotional loneliness and the resilience of college students. It was also complemented by the qualitative study results, in which it explored the personal experiences of the participants. The thematic analysis presented two (2) main themes and seven (7) subthemes: affective states during the pandemic and empowering resilience in times of crisis. Both results of the study confirmed the relationship between emotional loneliness and resilience. The risk experiences in the form of difficult experiences during the pandemic helped nurture resilience within the participants.