University of Pretoria
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Well-being experiences of family members during the COVID-19 pandemic

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posted on 2025-01-23, 13:27 authored by Tayla PonterTayla Ponter

The purpose of the study was to explore the relational well-being experiences within families in order to have a better understanding of ways in which relational patterns contributed to the well-being of family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. The population comprised families with one biological parent and their child (ages 12-18) who resided in Newcastle, KwaZulu Natal province. A purposive sampling was used to recruit five families from different ethnic backgrounds in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to collect data, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings report that families underwent significant changes and adjustments within their households, occupations, and relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes included family adjustments, such as living arrangements, navigating roles, living a healthy lifestyle, occupational experiences, financial challenges, relational patterns, relational dynamics, and intrapersonal experiences. Despite the challenges expressed, findings from this study suggest that pandemics such as COVID-19 can cause families to create relational patterns that contribute positively and negatively to family relational well-being. These findings show that family functions as a system and that the relational interactional patterns formed among members of a family are significant to the well-being of individuals and act as a protective factor in times of crisis. How families relate to one another in adverse situations, and the relational patterns they create, largely determines the outcomes of their relationships. It is therefore recommended that further research should be directed towards related themes that increase knowledge concerning the relational well-being experiences of families in South Africa, particularly during crises.

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Psychology

Sustainable Development Goals

  • 3 Good Health and Well-Being

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