Psychological and physiological experiences of adolescents during home-based learning amid the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in Malaysia

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic affected adolescents' lives, including their educational progress and social withdrawal. To reduce this damage, many countries, including Malaysia, adopted online home-based learning to ensure the continuity of adolescents' education. Yet, little was understood about whether the learning atmosphere at home and separation from school during a pandemic might positively or negatively impact adolescents.
Methods: The study employed a phenomenological qualitative method using in-depth online interviews via Google Meet to explore adolescents' reactions and experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Malay-translated, semi-structured topic guide, adapted from previous studies, was used for the interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using NVIVO 12 software. Peer checking ensured the validity and reliability of the findings, with 23 participants included in the final analysis after data saturation was achieved.
Results: A total of 23 participants, aged 10 to 16, from 18 different schools in Selangor, Malaysia, represented the three main ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, and Indian) and various socio-economic backgrounds, including the Top 20, Middle 40, and Bottom 40 groups by monthly household income. Thematic analysis revealed that most adolescents perceived home-based learning negatively, experiencing psychological emotions such as sadness, fatigue, anger, and restlessness, along with physiological impacts like digestive issues and immune suppression, all of which were early signs of stress triggered by social, academic, and environmental stressors. Home-based learning during the COVID-19 pandemic caused adolescents to feel isolated, distracted by home responsibilities, and face technical difficulties, leading to negative emotions and stress. These challenges triggered both psychological and physiological stress responses, including changes in eating habits, weight gain, and increased susceptibility to illness.
Conclusion: The research revealed that the majority of adolescents had a negative experience with home-based learning throughout COVID-19, impacting them mentally and physiologically, with many oblivious to these manifestations of stress. Digital mental health therapy, although accessible during the MCO, may only assist individuals who acknowledge their symptoms and proactively seek assistance.