The Paradox of Being Emotionally Strained: Tales of Joy and Sorrow amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

This study entitled: The Paradox of Being Emotionally Strained: Tales of Joy and Sorrow Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic investigated the lived experiences of individuals facing emotional strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. It sought to uncover their emotional states, daily coping mechanisms, and interpretations of the pandemic’s impact. Using a Qualitative Research Design, the study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to thoroughly analyze and interpret participants experiences during the unprecedented period. Participants reported significant social isolation, financial instability, and emotional discomfort throughout the pandemic. They described their coping strategies as focusing on strengthening family relationships, participating in collective activities such as leisure and religious practices, and fostering emotional self-awareness. The study highlighted a duality in their experiences: the "tales of joy" aspects included enhanced family bonds and a sense of gratitude for surviving the pandemic, while the "tales of sorrow" aspects encompassed family disconnection and pervasive uncertainty about the future. Through a nuanced exploration of these contrasting experiences, the study underscored the complex emotional landscape navigated by the participants during the COVID-19 pandemic.