Trapped Between Worlds: University of Adelaide Student Experiences With Australian Border Closures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Date
2022
Authors
Rogers, Julianne
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Thesis
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Abstract
Prior to 2020, the last complete Australian international and state border closures occurred over a century ago during the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic. During the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022), the Australian Commonwealth and state governments restricted all non-essential travel, despite the unknown impact of those closures on contemporary, globalised populations. Recent quantitative research has established border closures are associated with reports of very high distress, particularly for university students. This qualitative study provides insight into the experiences that students currently studying at the University of Adelaide attributed to Australian border closures. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse data from interviews with 15 students (domestic and international) ranging in age from 22-52 (undergraduate and post-graduate). Findings indicated participants impacted by border closures were separated from loved ones, employment, studies, and the pursuit of valued goals. These losses were associated with being in an uncertain state of ""limbo"" and various emotional struggles such as anxiety, stress, isolation, shame, and anger. Positive experiences reported include increased time with immediate family, learning new coping skills, and a sense of post-traumatic growth. Using the disaster recovery theory of social resilience, barriers of support are discussed. These findings illustrate that although participants managed their struggles, universities and governments must consider students as a part of the Australian community who may not have a safety net, such as family support, and plan alternate modes of support in times of disaster.
School/Discipline
School of Psychology
Dissertation Note
Thesis (B.PsychSc(Hons)) -- University of Adelaide, School of Psychology, 2022
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