Connection, constraint, and coping: A qualitative study of experiences of loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated physical distancing which is expected to continue in some form for the foreseeable future. Physical distancing policies have increased reliance on digital forms of social connection and there are widespread concerns about social isolation and mental health in this context. This qualitative study sought to understand how loneliness was experienced during physical distancing in the initial national UK COVID-19 lockdown. Eight individuals who reported feeling lonely during the initial lockdown were interviewed in May 2020. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: (1) Loss of in-person interaction causing loneliness, (2) Constrained freedom, (3) Challenging emotions, and (4) Coping with loneliness. The loss of in-person interaction contributed to feelings of loneliness and digital interaction was viewed as an insufficient alternative. Social freedom could be constrained by distancing policies and by social contacts, contributing to strained personal relationships and feelings of frustration as part of loneliness. Fluctuations in mood and difficult emotions were experienced alongside loneliness, and distraction and seeking reconnection were commonly reported methods of coping, although they were less accessible. These findings indicate that physical distancing measures can impact loneliness due to the limitations they impose on in-person social contact and the perceived insufficiency of digital contact as a substitute.

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Mental health and coping strategies during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A qualitative study of unemployed and employed people in Nigeria

Analyses of Social Issues and Public Policy ◽

10.1111/asap.12259 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ifeanyichukwu Anthony Ogueji ◽

Samson Femi Agberotimi ◽

Bolaji Johnson Adesanya ◽

Taiwo Nurudeen Gidado

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

And Coping

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The aftermath of burn injury from the child’s perspective: A qualitative study

Journal of Health Psychology ◽

10.1177/1359105318800826 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 25 (13-14) ◽

pp. 2464-2474 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marthe R Egberts ◽

Rinie Geenen ◽

Alette EE de Jong ◽

Helma WC Hofland ◽

Nancy EE Van Loey

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Study ◽

Thematic Analysis ◽

Parental Support ◽

Burn Injury ◽

Psychosocial Impact ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Psychological Barriers ◽

Injury Event ◽

And Coping ◽

Vivid Memories

A burn injury event and subsequent hospitalization are potentially distressing for children. To elucidate the child’s experience of pediatric burn injury, children’s reflections on the burn event and its aftermath were examined. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight children (12–17 years old). Using thematic analysis, interview transcripts were coded and codes were combined into overarching categories. Three categories were identified: vivid memories; the importance of parental support; psychosocial impact and coping. Implications for care are discussed in terms of assessing children’s appraisals, paying attention to the parent’s role, and preparing families for potential psychological barriers after discharge.

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Impact of Universal Credit in North East England: a qualitative study of claimants and support staff

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029611 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. e029611 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Mandy Cheetham ◽

Suzanne Moffatt ◽

Michelle Addison ◽

Alice Wiseman

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Local Government ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Low Income ◽

Welfare Benefits ◽

North East ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact ◽

Community Sector ◽

Roll Out

ObjectivesTo understand the impact of the roll-out of Universal Credit (UC) from the perspectives of claimants and staff supporting them in North East England.DesignQualitative study comprising interviews and focus groups.SettingGateshead and Newcastle, two localities in North East England characterised by high levels of socioeconomic deprivation, where the roll-out of UC started in 2017 as a new way to deliver welfare benefits for the UK working age population.Participants33 UC claimants with complex needs, disabilities and health conditions and 37 staff from local government, housing, voluntary and community sector organisations.ResultsParticipants’ accounts of the UC claims process and the consequences of managing on UC are reported; UC negatively impacts on material wellbeing, physical and mental health, social and family lives. UC claimants described the digital claims process as complicated, disorientating, impersonal, hostile and demeaning. Claimants reported being pushed into debt, rent arrears, housing insecurity, fuel and food poverty through UC. System failures, indifference and delays in receipt of UC entitlements exacerbated the difficulties of managing on a low income. The threat of punitive sanctions for failing to meet the enhanced conditionality requirements under UC added to claimant’s vulnerabilities and distress. Staff reported concerns for claimants and additional pressures on health services, local government and voluntary and community sector organisations as a result of UC.ConclusionsThe findings add considerable detail to emerging evidence of the deleterious effects of UC on vulnerable claimants’ health and wellbeing. Our evidence suggests that UC is undermining vulnerable claimants’ mental health, increasing the risk of poverty, hardship, destitution and suicidality. Major, evidence-informed revisions are required to improve the design and implementation of UC to prevent further adverse effects before large numbers of people move on to UC, as planned by the UK government.

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Alone but not lonely: The relationship between COVID-19 social factors, loneliness, depression, and suicidal ideation

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0261867 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. e0261867

Author(s):

Ana Rabasco ◽

Vincent Corcoran ◽

Margaret Andover

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Social Factors ◽

Emotional Support ◽

Social Contact ◽

Online Support ◽

Social Connection ◽

Social Distancing ◽

The Relationship

Objective Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been concerns that social distancing may negatively impact mental health, particularly with regards to loneliness, depressive symptoms, and suicidality. The current study explored how aspects of social distancing, communication, and online support from October 2020 to December 2020 related to loneliness, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation. Method Participants (n = 216) who self-identified as having mental health diagnoses were recruited and completed questionnaires online. Results Findings showed that COVID-19 related social contact, particularly electronic social contact, is associated with decreased loneliness, suicidal ideation, and depression. Online emotional support was significantly associated with decreased loneliness and depressive symptoms. Social distancing practices were not associated with increased loneliness, suicidal ideation, and depression. Conclusions Our findings underscore the importance of leveraging electronic methods of social connection, especially among individuals who are at risk for suicide or depression.

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“You’re just there, alone in your room with your thoughts” A qualitative study about the impact of lockdown among young people during the COVID-19 pandemic

10.1101/2021.04.11.21254776 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alison R. McKinlay ◽

Tom May ◽

Joanna Dawes ◽

Daisy Fancourt ◽

Alexandra Burton

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Young Adults ◽

Young People ◽

Social Life ◽

Qualitative Interviews ◽

Social Contact ◽

Adolescents And Young Adults ◽

Quantitative Evidence ◽

The Uk ◽

The Impact

AbstractBackgroundAdolescents and young adults have been greatly affected by quarantine measures during the coronavirus-19 pandemic. Quantitative evidence suggests that many young people have struggled with their mental health throughout “lockdown”, but little is understood about the qualitative impact of social distancing restrictions on mental health, wellbeing and social life. We therefore sought to elicit the views and experiences of adolescents and young adults living in the UK during the pandemic.MethodsSemi-structured qualitative interviews were undertaken with 37 participants aged 13-24.ResultsWe identified 4 superordinate themes most commonly described by participants about their experiences during the pandemic, including: a) missing social contact during lockdown, b) disruption to education, c) changes to social relationships, and d) improved wellbeing during lockdown. Although we identified some positive experiences during the pandemic, including an increased awareness of mental health and stronger relationship ties, many said they struggled with loneliness, a decline in mental health, and anxiety about socialising after the pandemic.ConclusionsFindings suggest that some young people may have felt less stigma talking about their mental health now compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many are worried about how the pandemic has affected their education and social connections and may require additional psychological, practical and social support. Our findings highlight the important role that education providers play in providing a source of information and support to adolescents and young adults during times of uncertainty.

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A qualitative study of referral to community mental health teams in the UK: exploring the rhetoric and the reality

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/1472-6963-7-117 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Carolyn Chew-Graham ◽

Mike Slade ◽

Carolyn Montana ◽

Mairi Stewart ◽

Linda Gask

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Community Mental Health ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

The Uk

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The importance of relationships in mental health care: A qualitative study of service users' experiences of psychiatric hospital admission in the UK

BMC Health Services Research ◽

10.1186/1472-6963-8-92 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 180

Author(s):

Helen Gilburt ◽

Diana Rose ◽

Mike Slade

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Care ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Mental Health Care ◽

Hospital Admission ◽

Psychiatric Hospital ◽

Service Users ◽

The Uk

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From a sector-based service model to a functional one: qualitative study of staff perceptions

Psychiatric Bulletin ◽

10.1192/pb.bp.108.022897 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 33 (9) ◽

pp. 329-332 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Golam Khandaker ◽

Srinivasarao Cherukuru ◽

Claire Dibben ◽

Manaan Kar Ray

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Decision Making ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Junior Doctor ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Service Model ◽

Staff Perceptions ◽

Clinical Leadership ◽

Effective Change ◽

The Uk

Aims and MethodAn increasing number of mental health trusts in the UK are replacing the geographically sectorised model of service delivery with a functional one. We conducted a qualitative study of staff perception concerning this reorganisation in our Trust, to inform effective change management locally and elsewhere.ResultsPerceived benefits were quick decision-making, positive risk management and improvement in clinical leadership. Dedicated consultant time would lead to improvements in junior doctor training. Concerns included lack of continuity of care, disagreement between teams and de-skilling of staff. Communication was seen as the key to overcoming these difficulties.Clinical ImplicationsDetailed communication from management about the practicalities and reasons for change could facilitate effective transition.

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