Alone together: Post-traumatic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic shelter-in-place phase

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to explore posttraumatic growth in adults who lived alone during the shelter-in-place (SIP) phase of the pandemic. Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine adults between the ages of 33 and 56 several weeks into SIP. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged from participant interviews: connection, prior recent hardship, gratitude, spiritual practice, and relationship with self. By exploring the experiences of those who thrived while living alone during the SIP phase, this study aimed to provide a nuanced understanding of the psychological processes underlying positive adaptation amidst crisis. Our findings highlight the importance of fostering connections, both interpersonal and intrapersonal, as a means of promoting resilience and growth during times of crisis. The themes of gratitude, spiritual practice, and a positive relationship with self underscore the significance of existential and humanistic concepts, such as meaning-making, self-reflection, and personal growth.