Sharing and Gaining Experiences of Living Through the Lockdown in Shanghai: An Exploratory Qualitative Study Among Young Adults With High Levels of Loneliness in Shanghai

Following the sudden outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in Shanghai in March 2022, social distancing policies were reinforced from April to June 2022, resulting in significant changes to local residents’ daily lives. Because these measures restricted opportunities for face‐to‐face contact, psychological and everyday‐life consequences may have been particularly salient for individuals experiencing high levels of loneliness. However, there is a lack of studies investigating its impact of such polices on individuals experiencing high levels of loneliness. This study aimed to investigate the experiences of individuals with high levels of loneliness during the lockdown in Shanghai, providing in‐depth knowledge of their life changes, associated stressors, and coping strategies. We conducted online semistructured interviews among 13 adults with high levels of loneliness in Shanghai after a strict 2‐month COVID‐19 lockdown. Using thematic analysis and a deductive approach guided by the transactional model of stress and coping, we identified four main themes: (1) interconnected stressors involving economic challenges, disruptions to daily routines, interpersonal relationships, and physical well‐being; (2) positive and negative physiological and emotional responses to those stressors; (3) adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies used to manage stressors or regulate emotions; and (4) expectations for improved community support and mental health services. Our findings may inform community and mental health support for individuals experiencing loneliness during future public health emergencies.