Psychological experiences and coping strategies of officer trainees in Taiwan during COVID-19 quarantine: Implications for post-pandemic military social work and health promotion

Abstract Anxiety, isolation, and social detachment are common psychological states during pandemic quarantine, significantly affecting health. While many studies have examined the mental health impacts of COVID-19 quarantine, the psychological experiences of military officer trainees, a unique population, remain underexplored. This study employed thematic analysis on self-recorded quarantine diaries from 20 officer trainees in Taiwan, collected over an 8-week period (20 April 2020–20 May 2020), to elucidate recurring psychological patterns. The findings revealed that early in quarantine, participants faced emotional challenges, such as fear, difficulty expressing emotions, and health concerns. Over time, they adapted, finding new meaning and purpose, and used virtual platforms to maintain connections. Throughout this process, they navigated tensions between collectivism and individualism, with resilience playing a key role in their adjustment. These results offer valuable insights for military social work and health promotion, suggesting that post-pandemic interventions should emphasize cultural sensitivity and address the evolving coping strategies of military-affiliated individuals in diverse national contexts.