Exploring first-generation student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on their social isolation: a photovoice project

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to use photovoice to explore first-generation student experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on their social isolation, as well as what contributed to or alleviated their social isolation.

Participants

Nine undergraduate students who identified as first-generation and who experienced feeling socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic were included in this study.

Methods

In this study, participants were recruited via purposive sampling. Moreover, semi-structured interviews that incorporated the SHOWed technique were conducted with participants. In addition, First & Second Cycle Coding was used to help analyze participant interviews.

Results

A total of 11 themes emerged from this study that depicted their experience of feeling isolated, as well as what contributed to and alleviated their isolation.

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of capturing first-generation students’ experiences to help lessen the influence of social isolation among this group and ensure their academic success.

Keywords:

• Alleviators
• contributors
• COVID-19
• first-generation students
• social isolation

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the Texas A&M Institutional Review Board.

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by the Academy for Visual & Performing Arts Pandemic Innovative Arts Grant.