Abstract
Studies have proven that meaning-making in times of crisis serves as a buffer against negative experiences. What is unknown is the extent to which—in the unfamiliar context of a pandemic—meaning-making might have fostered the psychological wellbeing of South African University students during a critical period of emerging adulthood. To address this question, a purposive sample of 40 University students (Mean age = 23; males = 14; females = 25; non-binary = 1) was selected across two Universities in South Africa. Findings that emerged from thematic analysis revealed themes such as the re-emergence of value systems, renewed sense of connectedness, self-extension or otherness, acquisition of new skills and accomplishments, and inner strength and growth. The themes demonstrate broadly the role of interconnectedness in the meaning-making process, in terms of ordinary interactions or the desire for generativity. We also emphasise intrapersonal connectedness that allows for self-care, introspection, and self-development within the limits possible, thereby enabling and empowering the individual who is caught in the middle of a pandemic that is inherently disempowering. Wellbeing practice and research among African students can focus on encouraging these meaning-making pathways, as recovery from the pandemic is still on-going and affects different domains of life.
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‘This work is based on the research supported wholly by the National Research Foundation of South Africa (Grant Number: 129836)’. The authors acknowledge that opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in any publication generated by the NRF supported research is that of the author(s) alone, and that the NRF accepts no liability whatsoever in this regard.
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Wilson Fadiji, A., Chigeza, S., Shoko, P. (2022). Exploring Meaning-Making Among University Students in South Africa During the COVID-19 Lockdown. In: Leontopoulou, S., Delle Fave, A. (eds) Emerging Adulthood in the COVID-19 Pandemic and Other Crises: Individual and Relational Resources. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 17. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-22288-7_7
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