Public perceptions and experiences of social distancing and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic: a UK-based focus group study

BMJ Open
Simon N WilliamsK. Dienes

Abstract

This study explored UK public perceptions and experiences of social distancing and social isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study comprised five focus groups, carried out online during the early stages of the UK's stay at home order ('lockdown'), and analysed using a thematic approach. Focus groups took place via online videoconferencing. Participants (n=27) were all UK residents aged 18 years and older, representing a range of gender, ethnic, age and occupational backgrounds. Qualitative analysis revealed four main themes: (1) loss-participants' loss of (in-person) social interaction, loss of income and loss of structure and routine led to psychological and emotional 'losses' such as loss of motivation, loss of meaning and loss of self-worth; (2) criticisms of government communication-participants reported a lack of trust in government and a lack of clarity in the guidelines around social distancing and isolation; (3) adherence-participants reported high self-adherence to social distancing guidelines but reported seeing or hearing of non-adherence in others; (4) uncertainty around social reintegration and the future-some participants felt they would have lingering concerns over social contact while o...Continue Reading

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Citations

Oct 11, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Lou AtkinsonDebbie M Smith
Nov 17, 2020·Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology·Tadayuki OshimaHiroto Miwa
Jan 13, 2021·Health Expectations : an International Journal of Public Participation in Health Care and Health Policy·Simon N WilliamsKimberly Dienes
Jan 7, 2021·Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health·Roger Yat-Nork ChungSamuel Y S Wong
Nov 5, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Wei-Po ChouCheng-Fang Yen
Jan 12, 2021·Current Psychology·Ifeanyichukwu Anthony OguejiBenie McDenisa Demoko Ceccaldi
Mar 24, 2021·European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·Yanlin LiYonghua Cui
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Valerie BauzaThomas Clasen
May 1, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Krishna Regmi, Cho Mar Lwin
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Dec 24, 2020·Patient Education and Counseling·Lawrence AnKen Resnicow
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Jul 11, 2021·Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health·Liam WrightDaisy Fancourt
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