Adaptation Experiences of University Students with Major Depressive Disorder during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted university students with major depressive disorder. For these individuals, the inability to adapt could lead to worsening depression. Therefore, understanding their experiences of adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic is important.

Research objectives: To study the adaptation experiences of university students with major depressive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Research methodology: A descriptive qualitative method was applied in this study. The participants were university students diagnosed with major depressive disorder who were receiving treatment at the Mental Health Clinic of Suddhavej Hospital in Mahasarakham Province, Thailand. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews from January to June 2024. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Twenty participants were included in this analysis, and data saturation were achieved. The adaptation experiences of university students with major depressive disorder reveled 6 themes: 1) Emotional adaptation 2) Adaptation to online learning 3) Adaptation to attending follow-up appointments at the hospital 4) Social adaptation 5) Cognitive and behavioral adaptation 6) Social support that facilitated adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion: The university students with major depressive disorder demonstrated a variety of adaptive strategies to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Implications: The findings of this research may serve as a foundation for developing targeted care and enhancing mental health support services for university students with major depressive disorder.