Family matters: A qualitative study of stressors experienced by Korean American college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objective: This study explores mental health stressors related to family dynamics of Korean American college students during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants: In January 2021, using purposive sampling, we recruited 15 Korean American student leaders at a west coast university. Methods: Self-identified leaders were interviewed via Zoom, and data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic analytic approach based on grounded theory. Results: Students leaders’ perceived sources of family stress for Korean American college students centered on three themes: (1) loss of independence, (2) family pressure, and (3) strained family relationships. Conclusion: Study findings offer insight for college mental health programming regarding family stressors, especially as related to moving back home with family.

Keywords:

• Asian American
• coronavirus
• mental health
• university

Acknowledgments

All authors have meaningfully contributed to the development of this manuscript.

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflict of interest. The authors confirm that the research presented meets all ethical guidelines, adheres to legal requirements of the United States of America and received approval from the University of Southern California Institutional Review Board.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.