Investigating Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Conceptual Analysis of Thwarted Belongingness, Loneliness, and Social Isolation

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought unprecedented challenges to global populations since its outbreak in December 2019. Given the strict quarantine mandates, many researchers and health experts have been concerned about the unknown immediate and long-term psychological effects of physical distancing. This article investigates this phenomenon by evaluating the constructs thwarted belongingness, social isolation, and loneliness through the method of conceptual analysis. First, linguistic attention is given to the clarification of conceptual overlap, vagueness, and inconsistencies in construct meaning and application. Second, phenomenological descriptions are used to examine the congruity between psychological constructs and lived experience during the pandemic. Third, the novel inclusion of identity and the significance of space are applied to ascertain the contextual dimensions and mechanisms of quarantine measures and physical distancing. Lastly, this article concludes by discussing the valuable role that philosophy and conceptual analysis have in the field of psychology and COVID-19 research.