Family members’ psychological experiences of the COVID-19 lockdown: A qualitative study

Background: Major traumatic events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdown can affect the family as the fundamental unit of all societies. This study aimed to describe the psychological experiences of healthy families during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: : A descriptive qualitative research was conducted by purposive sampling. The sample size was achieved 29 by data saturation. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect the data. Content analysis was used in data analysis. Results: : The findings of this study included both positive and negative psychological aspects, each of which had some subcategories. Negative psychological aspects: Anxiety, a sense of isolation and intensification of loneliness, Mood and energy changes (hardship and fatigue from lockdown/Boredom, anger, depression), disruption of the sleep-wake patterns, feelings of helplessness, more frequent family disputes and arguments, Increasing the risk of the problematic Internet use. Positive psychological aspects: The expansion of the worldview and a sense of pleasure and happiness. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown created negative and disruptive experiences and positive and constructive experiences for different individuals.