Published:

Coronavirus, FAI Publications

Commentary Perspectives: Mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts the mental health and wellbeing of the Scottish population. The aim is to understand the psychological impact of the pandemic on different demographic groups (gender, age, and employment status). The research also focuses on people who may be more vulnerable to the pandemic in multiple ways, namely those with long-term physical and mental health conditions and single-parent families.

Key Findings

The pandemic impacted people in Scotland differently, such that a variety of affective (negative affect), cognitive (worries/concerns), and behavioural (coping strategies) responses were observed among the Scottish population during the pandemic.

Negative psychological impacts were evident in several demographic groups, such as women, younger adults, unemployed individuals, and people with pre-existing physical and mental health conditions.

Some groups demonstrated extraordinary resilience, such as older adults and retirees. They were on average less affected by negative emotional states, had fewer worries and concerns during the pandemic, and were able to use healthier and more adaptive coping strategies.

Coping strategies against pandemic-related stress ranged from the adaptive options, such as maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, to maladaptive ones, such as overeating though taking a walk outside was the most popular adaptive strategy and was performed by all demographic groups.

You can read the full paper here

Authors

Otto Lenhart