Gains and Losses: A Phenomenographic Study on Adolescents’ Understanding of Isolation due to COVID-19

Abstract

The global health emergency posed by the COVID-19 outbreak has affected millions of people. In the Philippines, among the establishments closed are schools that resulted in children and adolescents staying at home for years under quarantine. Many studies were conducted focusing on the impact of isolation on people's physical and emotional well-being, most notably the children and adolescents who are considered vulnerable individuals. However, limited studies investigated how these young people understand their experiences while in quarantine. Hence, this phenomenographic study aims to provide insights into Filipino adolescents' realities by exploring the many different ways they view isolation. Seventeen adolescents in quarantine were interviewed, and qualitative analysis revealed a dualist outcome space where isolation is seen in the light of gains and losses. Eight sub-themes describing the three emerging themes are reported. The descriptions reveal understandings that isolation is (1) a restraint, (2) a necessity, and (3) an opportunity that has an impact on the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of adolescents' lives. Implications and recommendations presented may serve as a basis for designing programs and interventions to help adolescents deal with possible negative feelings in isolation and post quarantine.