Table 5.

| Negative and positive impacts of COVID-19 (N = 126)

Topic (%, n mentioned) Brief definition	Exemplar quote
Negative impacts
Employment/finances (33.3%, 42): Reduced hours/wages, job loss, inability to obtain employment, strained finances.	“I had just gotten a job after not having one for a year and it really had messed things up for me.” “Income took a very big hit.”
Social isolation (29.4%, 37): Boredom, lack of social interaction, sees others less frequently	“My support system of friends and family are far away now and I feel alone.” “I can’t see my friends from out of town, or go out and do anything.”
Stress/negative emotions (25.4%, 32): Increased stress, worry, fear, depression, anxiety, or other mental illness symptoms.	“My depression and anxiety have gotten so bad that my eating disorder has returned.”
Other negative impacts (17.5%, 22): Negative experience or perception not elsewhere categorized. Includes general sense of a negative impact.	“Everything is awkward in public and now I realize how many stupid people there are.” “This has been bad.”
Relocation or restricted mobility (14.3%, 18): Had to relocate or cannot move or travel when planned to do so.	“I am back home with family instead of my apartment at college.” “Unable to travel.”
Relationships (13.5%, 17): Relationship (friend, family, household member, partner, etc.) negatively affected.	“It also destroyed a romantic relationship.” “Several people I am close to believe the virus is fake and/or exaggerated so they are not taking it seriously which is straining the relationship.”
Academics (10.3%, 13): Worse academic performance, school canceled.	“Not being able to study properly for finals.” “Rest of spring semester moved to online after spring break. Did not enjoy online classes, perhaps would have had more motivation for in-person classes.”
Uncertainty about the future (9.5%, 12): Uncertainty about where life is going, what one’s life will look like, experience of the world; existential crisis.	“It’s made things seem really uncertain when it comes to deciding how to go on with my life from here.” “My future plans are off course.”
Lost opportunities (9.5%, 12): Loss of important events, milestones, or opportunities.	“I’m a senior, so I’m missing out on a lot of milestones like prom, graduation, and my senior show.” “Many events that I was supposed to be involved in are cancelled.”
Unhealthy activities (2.4%, 3): Poor diet, exercise; lack of self-care or productivity.	“I find it hard to keep a good routine.” “I can’t go exercise to help my brain condition, or to lose weight.”
Cannabis use (2.3%, 3): Increased cannabis consumption.	“In order for me to cope more I’ve been smoking so much more weed.” “I’m home a lot more so I dedicate more of my time to using THC.”
Positive impacts
Employment/finances (13.5%, 17): Positive job experience, increased finances, gratitude for maintaining job/income.	“Unemployment checks are more than I make at my regular job with the stimulus bonus.” “I’ve never made this much money before working the last 11 years, which was definitely a positive impact because I could afford things.”
Positive emotions (11.1%, 14): Positive emotions, decreased negative emotions, improved mental health, positive self-reflection including general gratitude.	“My anxiety levels have decreased.” “I’m enjoying being at home to be honest. It’s been relaxing.”
Relationships (6.4%, 8): Positive aspects of relationships with family, friends, or others.	“I have been able to spend more time with my significant other and grow our relationship.” “This pandemic has brought me and my family together/stronger.”
Healthy (5.6%, 7): Increased exercise, healthy eating, or other health behaviors/self-care.	“I’ve never had access to this much healthy food before because food stamps is giving full amounts.” “I have focused more on self-care.”
Academics (4.8%, 6): Positive impact on grades, improved focus, or enjoyment of online learning.	“Grades improving.” “I’ve gotten the chance to exclusively focus on online classes”
Other positive impacts (4.8%, 6): Positive experience or perception not elsewhere categorized. Includes general sense of a positive impact.	“I always wanted more time, now I have it.” “There is good [and there is bad].”
Productivity (3.2%, 4): Ability to get more done or work on projects.	“I have had a lot of time to work on important projects I didn’t have the time for.” “It helped me have more time to do things I need.”
Hobbies (3.2%, 4): Takes up a new hobby, increases hobbies.	“New hobbies.” “I’m exploring new hobbies like cooking, baking and the arts.”
Cannabis (1.6%, 2): Reduced cannabis consumption.	“Smoking less.” “The pandemic and resulting isolation provided me with an excuse to stop purchasing and smoking marijuana. With restrictions ending soon, I may be tempted to purchase again. It is my wish to use marijuana more responsibly, but I do not trust myself to do so.”
Alcohol (0.8%, 1): Reduced alcohol consumption	“I’ve drastically decreased my consumption of alcohol recently.”

N = 126 because 15 people skipped this item; 9 people also mentioned no impact of COVID-19 and 7 people mentioned a neutral statement.