You can't do anything about it, but you can make the best of it: a qualitative analysis of pandemic-related experiences in six European countries. Issue 1 (31st December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zrnić Novaković, Irina; Lueger-Schuster, Brigitte; Verginer, Lucia; Bakić, Helena; Ajduković, Dean; Borges, Camila; Figueiredo-Braga, Margarida; Javakhishvili, Jana (Darejan); Tsiskarishvili, Lela; Dragan, Małgorzata; Nagórka, Nadia; Anastassiou-Hadjicharalambous, Xenia; Lioupi, Chrysanthi; Lotzin, Annett
• Is Part Of: European journal of psychotraumatology. Volume 13:Issue 1(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-12-31
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- pandemic -- coronavirus -- mental health -- coping -- positive aspects -- cross-country study -- qualitative content analysis; COVID-19 -- pandemia -- coronavirus -- salud mental -- afrontamiento -- aspectos positivos -- estudios entre países -- análisis cuantitativo del contenido; COVID-19 -- 疫情 -- 冠状病毒 -- 心理健康 -- 应对 -- 积极方面 -- 跨国研究 -- 定性内容分析; Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Periodicals; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Post-traumatic stress disorder; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.8521
• DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2022.2065431
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-8198

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: The complex system of stressors related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the global population, provoking a broad range of psychological reactions. Although numerous studies have investigated the mental health impact of COVID-19, qualitative research and cross-country comparisons are still rare. Objective: This qualitative study aimed to explore self-perceived challenges and opportunities related to COVID-19 across six European countries. The overall objective was to provide a differentiated picture of individual subjective experiences in the early stages of the pandemic. Method: The present study included 7309 participants from Austria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Poland, and Portugal. We performed qualitative content analysis according to Mayring analyse open-ended questions regarding stressful events, positive and negative aspects of the pandemic, and recommendations to cope with the pandemic situation. MAXQDA software was used for data management and analysis. Results: Participants' accounts were moderately consistent across the countries. The most prominent themes regarding stressful and negative pandemic aspects included: Restrictions and changes in daily life, Emotional distress, and Work and finances. Answers about positive pandemic consequences were mainly centred around the themes Reflection and growth, Opportunity for meaningful/enjoyable activities, and Benefits on interpersonal level . Key themes identified from participants' recommendations to cope with the pandemic included Beneficial behavioural adjustment, Beneficial cognitive–emotional strategies, and Social support . Conclusions: Participants experienced various challenges, but also shared several positive pandemic consequences and recommendations to cope with the pandemic. These first-hand data could inform mental health practices to promote well-being during COVID-19 and similar global challenges in the participating countries and possibly beyond. HIGHLIGHTS: We examined COVID-19-related experiences in 7309 adults from six European countries. Besides challenges, participants identified many positive pandemic consequences. Participants' recommendations to cope with COVID-19 included behavioural and cognitive–emotional strategies.