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

Irina Zrnić Novaković, Brigitte Lueger-Schuster, Lucia Verginer, Helena Bakić, Dean Ajduković, Camila Borges, Margarida Figueiredo-Braga, Jana Javakhishvili, Lela Tsiskarishvili, Małgorzata Dragan, Nadia Nagórka, Xenia Anastassiou-Hadjicharalambous, Chrysanthi Lioupi, Annett Lotzin

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    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.

    Original languageEnglish
    Article number2065431
    JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology
    Volume13
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2022

    Keywords

    • coping
    • coronavirus
    • COVID-19
    • cross-country study
    • mental health
    • pandemic
    • positive aspects
    • qualitative content analysis

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