Table 4 Axial code descriptions derived from the qualitative analysis

CARING

Describing acts of self-care/caring for others (or not) during the pandemic across different areas of life, discussing how individual behaviors (e.g., sheltering in place, keeping social distance, buying groceries online) and personal choices affected others during the pandemic (contributing or not to the spread of COVID-19).

COUPLEXP

Being in a relationship during the pandemic. Challenges and experiences (personal or friends) of relationships during the pandemic. Participants discussing experiences related to infidelity, communication, or wondering how people managed their relationships.

FEAROTHERHEALTH

Participant describing feeling anxious, worried, or fearful about a family member, friend’s health, or general concern during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FEARPERHEALTH

Feeling anxious, worried, or fearful about personal health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LACKSOCRESP

Describing a lack of social responsibility/concern for others regarding the risk of coronavirus transmission/infecting others. Describing people not caring or considering others’ health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOCHANGE

People not making any changes in their lifestyles due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOFEAROTHERHEALTH

Participant sharing not feeling anxious, worried, or fearful about a family member, friend’s health, or others during the COVID-19 pandemic

NOFEARPERHEALTH

Participant sharing not feeling anxious, worried, or fearful about personal health during the COVID-19 pandemic

NOROMANTICREL

Describing not being involved (participant or friend) in a romantic or sexual relationship during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RISKYBEHAV

Describing engagement in risk taking behaviors during the pandemic. Risk taking behaviors included going to parties, drinking alcohol, and “hooking up.” Perceiving an increase in youth partying and opportunities to engage in risk taking behaviors. Describing reasons to engage in risk behaviors.

ROMANTICREL

Involved (participant or friend) in a romantic or sexual relationship during the pandemic, describing COVID-19 effects on romantic relationships.

SOCIALMEDIA

Role of social media on people’s lives during the pandemic. Use of social media for romantic or sexual relationships during the pandemic