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Hogg LI, Smith LGE, Kurz T, Morrison AP. Social identification, identity integration and wellbeing in people who hear voices. Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37964710 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hearing voices is associated with public stigma and this can influence readiness to identify as a voice hearer (VH) and psychological wellbeing. In this study, we investigated the relationships between a VH social identity, the integration of that identity with other important social identities and wellbeing. DESIGN Cross-sectional study, with a subset of longitudinal data across three time points. METHODS People who self-identified as voice hearers completed questionnaires (VH social identity, identity integration, wellbeing and perceptions of in-group and out-group empathy) at three time points, spaced at 3-monthly intervals. The final sample comprised 182 participants at T1, 91 at T2 and 75 at T3. Hierarchical linear multiple regression analyses were used to test all hypotheses. RESULTS The integration of a VH social identity was strongly associated with better psychological wellbeing at T1. Identity integration was also associated with static wellbeing scores at 6 months. Effects on wellbeing were not accounted for by either severity of voice-hearing or paranoia. Whilst perceptions of in-group empathy were associated with VH social identification, perceptions of outgroup empathy were important for identity integration. CONCLUSIONS Integrating a VH social identity with other important identities into a coherent sense of self is important for wellbeing in voice hearers; perceived in-group and outgroup empathy are important in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna I Hogg
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Harris Manchester College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Tim Kurz
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Anthony P Morrison
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust, Manchester, UK
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Brooks SK, Patel D, Greenberg N. "Exceptionally challenging time for all of us": Qualitative study of the COVID-19 experiences of partners of diplomatic personnel. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293557. [PMID: 37917599 PMCID: PMC10621840 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the romantic partners of diplomatic personnel frequently accompany their spouses to overseas postings and face the challenges of having to adjust to new cultures and separation from friends and family, they have rarely been the focus of academic research. This study explores the lived experiences of the partners/spouses of diplomatic personnel from the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Partners of FCDO staff took part in semi-structured interviews about how COVID-19 had affected their lives and their perceptions of the organisation's response to the pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Eleven partners of FCDO staff took part, who between them had lived in 14 different countries during the pandemic. The analysis identified six key themes: deployment-specific challenges such as travel restrictions, quarantine and evacuation; children; impacts of the pandemic including financial and psychological; perceptions of the organisational response to COVID-19; support and help-seeking; and suggestions for the future. Overall participants reported experiencing a number of challenges, many of which left them feeling powerless and not in control of their own lives. Participants frequently described a lack of clarity around policies and support. Social support appeared to be valuable, but many participants wanted more support from the organisation and from informal networks. CONCLUSIONS Diplomatic (and similar) organisations could enhance the wellbeing of the partners of their staff through improved communication and support. Keeping families informed about restrictions, requirements, policies and available help during a crisis, and reaching out to them to offer advice and support, would likely be beneficial. It is important that lessons are learned from the COVID-19 crisis in order for organisations to be able to support their employees and families if another prolonged crisis were to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha K. Brooks
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dipti Patel
- Overseas Health and Welfare, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Vella C, Berry C, Easterbrook MJ, Bibby-Jones AM, Michelson D, Bogen-Johnston L, Fowler D. Trialling an optimised social groups intervention in services to enhance social connectedness and mental health in vulnerable young people (TOGETHER): Study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288676. [PMID: 37582069 PMCID: PMC10426917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calls have been made to rethink the mental health support currently available for young people. This study aims to help re-focus and reduce the inaccessibility of mental health services by offering an adapted version of a theoretically-driven, evidence-based, guided psychosocial intervention known as 'Groups 4 Health' (G4H). To date, the G4H intervention has mainly been trialled in Australia, with promising positive effects on social connection, mental health and well-being. The present study examines the feasibility of running a randomised controlled trial when delivering the G4H intervention for young people in the UK. METHODS The TOGETHER study is a feasibility randomised controlled trial of an adapted version of the G4H intervention. Participants are aged 16-25, currently experiencing mental health difficulties and recruited from mental health services. The target sample size is 30, with 15 in each trial arm. Participants are randomly allocated to either G4H plus treatment as usual, or treatment as usual alone. The primary outcomes of interest are the feasibility of recruitment, randomisation, data collection and retention to the study at 10 and 14 week follow up, as well as the acceptability, and accessibility of the study protocol and G4H intervention. DISCUSSION The results of this study will indicate if further optimisation is required to improve the feasibility, acceptability and accessibility of the intervention and study protocol procedures as perceived by end users and practitioners. This offers a significant opportunity to support the local and national demand for accessible, innovative, and effective psychosocial youth mental health support. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN12505807). Registration date: 11/04/2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Vella
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Clio Berry
- Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anna-Marie Bibby-Jones
- Research and Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hove, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Michelson
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Bogen-Johnston
- Research and Development Department, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hove, United Kingdom
| | - David Fowler
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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Vella C, Berry C, Easterbrook MJ, Michelson D, Bogen-Johnston L, Fowler D. The mediating role of social connectedness and hope in the relationship between group membership continuity and mental health problems in vulnerable young people. BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e130. [PMID: 37466044 PMCID: PMC10375864 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence of a beneficial effect of social group processes on well-being and mental health. AIMS To investigate the role of group membership continuity in reducing mental ill-health among young people who were already vulnerable pre-pandemic, and to understand the social and psychological mechanisms of the benefits of group memberships for vulnerable young people. METHOD This study takes a cross-sectional design, using survey data from a sample of 105 young people aged 16-35 years, collected approximately 1 year after the global COVID-19 outbreak (January to July 2021). Correlational and path analyses were used to test the associations between group membership continuity and mental health problems (depression, anxiety, psychotic-like experiences) and the mediation of these associations by hope and social connectedness (in-person and online). To correct for multiple testing, the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was implemented for all analyses. Indirect effects were assessed with coverage of 99% confidence intervals. RESULTS Multiple prior group memberships were associated with preservation of group memberships during the COVID-19 pandemic. In-person social connectedness, online social connectedness and hope mediated the relationship between group membership continuity and mental health problem symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that clinical and public health practice should support vulnerable young people to foster and maintain their social group memberships, hopefulness and perceived sense of social connectedness as means of helping to prevent exacerbation of symptoms and promote recovery of mental health problems, particularly during significant life events.
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Gromatsky M, Sullivan SR, Greene AL, Govindarajulu U, Mitchell EL, Edwards ER, Lane R, Hamerling-Potts KK, Spears AP, Goodman M. An open trial of VA CONNECT: Caring for Our Nation's Needs Electronically during the COVID-19 Transition. PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:100122. [PMID: 37101559 PMCID: PMC10108571 DOI: 10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted emotional well-being due to safety concerns, grief, employment impacts, and social interaction limitations. Face-to-face mental health treatment restrictions were especially impactful to veterans who often gain social enrichment from Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care. We present results from a novel group-based telehealth intervention, VA Caring for Our Nation's Needs Electronically during the COVID-19 Transition (VA CONNECT), which integrates skills training and social support to develop a COVID-19 Safety & Resilience Plan. Veterans (n = 29) experiencing COVID-related stress participated in an open trial of this 10-session, manualized group VHA telehealth intervention. We examined whether COVID-19-related stress, adjustment disorder symptoms, and loneliness decreased, and coping strategy use increased after participation in VA CONNECT. Between baseline and two-month follow-up, participants reported a significant reduction in perceived stress and adjustment disorder symptoms, and an increase in planning coping skills use. Significant changes were not observed in loneliness or other specific coping strategies. Findings may support the utility of VA CONNECT as an intervention for pandemic-related stress and improving certain coping skills. Future research should explore group-based telehealth interventions like VA CONNECT with other populations within and outside of the VA, which have value during major disruptions to face-to-face mental healthcare access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Gromatsky
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah R Sullivan
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Hunter College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley L Greene
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Usha Govindarajulu
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Center for Biostatistics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily L Mitchell
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Emily R Edwards
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert Lane
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kyra K Hamerling-Potts
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Angela Page Spears
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Counseling & Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marianne Goodman
- VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Moss SJ, Mizen SJ, Stelfox M, Mather RB, FitzGerald EA, Tutelman P, Racine N, Birnie KA, Fiest KM, Stelfox HT, Parsons Leigh J. Interventions to improve well-being among children and youth aged 6-17 years during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. BMC Med 2023; 21:131. [PMID: 37013542 PMCID: PMC10069351 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02828-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is an example of a global infectious disease outbreak that poses a threat to the well-being of children and youth (e.g., physical infection, psychological impacts). The consequences of challenges faced during COVID-19 may be longstanding and newly developed interventions are being deployed. We present a narrative synthesis of available evidence from the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic on the feasibility, accessibility, and effects of interventions to improve well-being among children and youth to inform the development and refinement of interventions relevant to post-pandemic recovery. METHODS Six databases were searched from inception to August 2022. A total of 5484 records were screened, 39 were reviewed in full text, and 19 studies were included. The definition of well-being and the five domains of well-being as defined by the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health and the World Health Organization in collaboration with the United Nations H6 + Technical Working Group on Adolescent Health and Well-Being were used. RESULTS Nineteen studies (74% randomized controlled trials) from 10 countries were identified, involving a total of 7492 children and youth (age range: 8.2-17.2 years; 27.8-75.2% males) and 954 parents that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to March 2021). Nearly all interventions (n = 18, 95%) targeted health and nutrition, followed by connectedness (n = 6, 32%), while fewer studies targeted agency and resilience (n = 5, 23%), learning and competence (n = 2, 11%), or safety and support (n = 1, 3%). Five interventions (26%) were self-guided while 13 interventions (68%) were guided synchronous by a trained professional, all of which targeted physical and mental health subdomains within health and nutrition; one intervention (5%) was unclear. CONCLUSIONS Studies deploying synchronous interventions most often reported improved well-being among children and youth largely in the domain of health and nutrition, specifically physical and mental health. Targeted approaches will be crucial to reach sub-groups of children and youth who are most at risk of negative well-being outcomes. Further research is needed to determine how interventions that best supported children and youth early in the pandemic are different from interventions that are required now as we enter into the post-pandemic phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephana J Moss
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sara J Mizen
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Maia Stelfox
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Rebecca Brundin Mather
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Emily A FitzGerald
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Perri Tutelman
- Faculty of Science, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Nicole Racine
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kathryn A Birnie
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kirsten M Fiest
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Community Health Sciences, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Henry T Stelfox
- Cumming School of Medicine, Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- O'Brien Institute for Public Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jeanna Parsons Leigh
- Faculty of Health, School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
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Cruwys T, Fong P, Evans O, Rathbone JA. A community-led intervention to build neighbourhood identification predicts better wellbeing following prolonged COVID-19 lockdowns. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1030637. [PMID: 36571042 PMCID: PMC9784463 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1030637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction A growing body of research supports the importance of social cohesion for population wellbeing. However, the majority of this research has been correlational, and rarely have interventions been evaluated. Method We conducted a two-timepoint study investigating the role of Neighbour Day, a grass-roots, community-led intervention that seeks to build social cohesion across the population. Among a sample of 843, 125 were Neighbour Day participants while the remainder were not. Results We found that, compared to non-participants, Neighbour Day participants had significantly higher neighbourhood identification, experienced greater social cohesion, and had larger neighbourhood social networks. Between timepoints, the majority of the sample experienced prolonged lockdowns to prevent COVID-19 transmission, and so unsurprisingly, wellbeing declined and psychological distress increased. However, Neighbour Day participants were protected against these negative mental health effects of lockdown. These benefits of Neighbour Day participation were mediated via neighbourhood identification. Discussion Overall, the findings speak to the promise of large-scale interventions to build social identity, particularly due to their capacity to build resilience and protect people's wellbeing during times of collective change or crisis.
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Cruwys T, Haslam C, Haslam SA, Rathbone JA, Donaldson JL. Acceptability and Feasibility of an Intervention to Enhance Social Group Belonging: Evidence From Three Trials of Groups 4 Health. Behav Ther 2022; 53:1233-1249. [PMID: 36229119 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Groups 4 Health (G4H) is a group psychotherapy program that targets social group disconnection. An emerging evidence base supports its efficacy in reducing loneliness, depression, and social anxiety. However, to date there has been no formal analysis of its acceptability to clients and therapists, nor an investigation of its feasibility for wider implementation. This input from end users is crucial to ensure the program's wider suitability and to contribute to its improvement. This study drew data from three clinical trials, including 266 G4H clients and 68 G4H therapists. From the Phase III trial only, additional data were available from 90 clients in a dose-controlled cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) comparison group, and focus groups/interviews with 6 therapists and 13 clients. Client satisfaction was high, with all average ratings >7/10, significantly exceeding the CBT comparison group. Therapist satisfaction with each module was >5/7. Retention was >80%. Homework completion was high, with <10% of clients saying that they had not attempted the homework. Therapists and clients both emphasized the benefits arising from G4H, and the contribution of the group context itself as a vehicle to achieve positive outcomes.
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Bower M, Donohoe-Bales A, Smout S, Ngyuen AQH, Boyle J, Barrett E, Teesson M. In their own words: An Australian community sample's priority concerns regarding mental health in the context of COVID-19. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0268824. [PMID: 35588438 PMCID: PMC9119542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0268824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant and unprecedented mental health impacts in Australia. However, there is a paucity of research directly asking Australian community members about their mental health experiences, and what they perceive to be the most important mental health issues in the context of the pandemic. This study utilises qualitative data from Alone Together, a longitudinal mixed-methods study investigating the effects of COVID-19 on mental health in an Australian community sample (N = 2,056). A total of 1,037 participants, ranging in sex (69.9% female), age (M = 40-49 years), state/territory of residence, and socioeconomic status, shared responses to two open-ended questions in the first follow up survey regarding their mental health experiences and priorities during COVID-19. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Participants described COVID-19 as primarily impacting their mental health through the disruption it posed to their social world and financial stability. A key concern for participants who reported having poor mental health was the existence of multiple competing barriers to accessing high quality mental health care. According to participant responses, the pandemic placed additional pressures on an already over-burdened mental health service system, leaving many without timely, appropriate support. Absent or stigmatising rhetoric around mental health, at both a political and community level, also prevented participants from seeking help. Insights gained from the present research provide opportunities for policymakers and health practitioners to draw on the expertise of Australians' lived experience and address priority issues through targeted policy planning. This could ultimately support a more responsive, integrated, and effective mental health system, during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlee Bower
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amarina Donohoe-Bales
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Scarlett Smout
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andre Quan Ho Ngyuen
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia Boyle
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Barrett
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Bentley SV, Haslam C, Haslam SA, Jetten J, Larwood J, La Rue CJ. GROUPS 2 CONNECT: An online activity to maintain social connection and well-being during COVID-19. Appl Psychol Health Well Being 2021; 14:1189-1210. [PMID: 34958172 DOI: 10.1111/aphw.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has had significant negative consequences for well-being. As well as the primary effects of the virus itself, secondary effects have resulted from the social isolation caused by the lockdowns imposed to slow the spread of the virus. Recognising the toxic effects of isolation, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers are conscious of the need to mitigate the negative effects of social distancing. Drawing on insights from a large body of research on the Social Identity Approach to Health, we devised an online activity-GROUPS 2 CONNECT (G2C)-aimed at helping people to maintain social connectedness when face-to-face interaction was not possible. Across four studies (N = 1021), we found that after completing the G2C activity, participants reported an increase in perceived quality of social connection, perceived ability to stay connected and well-being, with results showing that for two of the three longitudinal studies these uplifts were stable over time, and for all studies, the uplifts remained consistently higher for those who reported completing their social connection goals. These findings provide initial evidence of the value of G2C as a tool to support social connection, thereby reducing the risk of social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah V Bentley
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Catherine Haslam
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | | | - Joel Larwood
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Crystal J La Rue
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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