Longitudinal Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on University Researchers' Psychosocial Trajectories

COVID-19 precautionary measure- the movement control order (MCO) creates unique challenges for university researchers (URs) to achieve their research standard. This longitudinal qualitative research explored the experiences and psychosocial trajectories of thirty Malaysian URs in the 12 months following the pandemic. Interview data were collected at three time points; immediate post-MCO, 6 and 12 months following MCO. Data were analyzed using hybrid thematic analysis within and across data sets. Findings identify three trajectories, namely resilient, recovering and distressed. Various challenges and practical recommendations for improving URs psychosocial adaptation and well-being are presented.