Challenges and coping with COVID-19: perspectives of emerging adults and their mothers

Emerging adulthood (spanning ages 18-25 years old) is a critical time of developmental transition. Although the COVID-19 pandemic led to multiple disruptions in the lives of emerging adults (EAs), little research examined the impacts from the perspectives of both EAs and their parents, who were spending increasing amounts of time together, particularly during the early pandemic stages. From May to July 2020, we interviewed 27 EAs and 12 mothers who were recruited from an ongoing longitudinal study. Themes were derived using conventional qualitative content analysis. Mothers and EAs described challenges and impediments of COVID-19 that fell under three larger categories: Challenges related to COVID-19, Coping Resources and Strategies, and Parental Support. Both mothers and EAs recognized that COVID-19 had led to disruptions in the developmental trajectories of EAs, requiring significant adjustment and coping. They reflected on the increased time together as both an impediment (i.e. to physical and mental health, unhealthy coping) and an opportunity (i.e. for bonding, healthy coping). Our findings highlight the need to address the significant challenges faced by EAs as a result of the pandemic, as well as the role of parents as important sources of support for their EA children during times of stress and crisis.