Family Relations of University Students in Times of Pandemic by COVID-19: Feelings and Tensions

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this research was to reveal the feelings and tensions that characterize the family relationships of university students in times of pandemic and confinement conditions due to COVID-19. Methods: The method was qualitative, and the feelings and tensions in the family and educational context of 584 university students were evaluated, from a qualitative proposal and a hermeneutic approach, anchored to the question: How have the affective manifestations been, in terms of feelings and tensions, in the family relationships of university students, academically active, in the Caribbean Region of Colombia, during the mandatory confinement process derived from the COVID 19 pandemic?. The methodological design was structured from the concepts of the Grounded Theory, applied to the data obtained through virtual techniques and instruments, such as an online survey. The organization of the information to generate the results was made from descriptive, analytical and interpretive coding, supported by matrices and theoretical maps. Results and Discussion: There are feelings and tensions in three directions: Negative Feelings (in tension) such as anxiety, stress and depression; positive feelings, joy, adaptation and ambiguous feelings, which show ambivalence and variability, which are reflected in family relationships and three senses: They have improved, remain the same and have worsened, according to each type, dynamics and characteristics of the family, associated with gender, coping mechanisms and socioeconomic level. Conclusion: Families were transformed due to the pandemic, and relationships and interactions were found that exacerbated tensions or factors of protection and care among family members, with emotional overload, with stress from work and study.