The Covid 19 Pandemic and Academics: Psychological Reflections and Its Impact on Social Life

The aim of this study is to investigate the psychological effects of the covid-19 pandemic on academics, which is facing all countries of the world and has become a global health emergency. The current research was carried out with the phenomenological research method, one of the qualitative research designs. The working group was formed by 10 academicians who are working in different positions at a state university in Trabzon in 2020. The research data were obtained by semi-structured interview technique, and content analysis was used to analyze the data. As a result of the research, during the Covid-19 pandemic, it was found that academics experienced various negative emotions, especially anxiety and fear; also they experienced various physical, psychological and social problems, and it was determined that they used problemfocused, emotion-focused and religious coping methods to cope with the problems experienced in this process. However, academics stated that despite the difficulties experienced during the pandemic, they also had the opportunity to grow and develop, re-evaluate the meaning of life, and strengthen family ties. The findings obtained as a result of the study were discussed in the light of the relevant literature. It is thought that the current study findings can help to develop effective interventions by contributing to a better understanding of the psychological reflections and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis which is an unexpected and unknown phenomenon, and its effects on individuals and how to prevent psychological trauma.