Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Psychopathology in virtual education for primary school students in the COVID‑19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Monavar Fattahiyan
. Hassan Okati‑Aliabad
. Maryam Seraji

Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran

Abstract
BACKGROUND: COVID‑19 virus continues to be an international concern, challenging psychological
resilience in all areas, especially virtual education, making the psychopathology and problems more
evident.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is a qualitative study of conventional content
analysis, in which 24 participants (14 parents, 5 teachers, and 5 principals) were selected by purposive
sampling from primary schools in Zahedan. Data collection tools included semi‑structured interviews
with open‑ended questions. Interviews continued until reaching data saturation. The transcripts of
the interviews were coded according to Graneheim and Lundman’s 5‑step approach, and then, the
codes were classified according to the specified axes. For accuracy and exactness of information,
the researchers used the criteria of validity, verifiability, reliability, and transferability.
RESULTS: The results of this study include two categories, “e‑learning infrastructure” and
“psychopathology,” indicating the importance of creating, using, and strengthening cyberspace
infrastructure for the use of education in primary schools during COVID‑19 pandemic.
CONCLUSION: The results indicated that identifying these cases and attempting to eliminate them
can reduce psychopathology and improve the quality of virtual education for students. Moreover, this
can help principals and educational planners have new insights so that they can focus on solving
psychological problems in e‑learning and provide their supportive planning.


Keywords

COVID‑19
elementary school
pandemics
psychopathology
virtual education
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 12, Issue 8
September 2022
Pages 1-7

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