Exploring the experiences of high-risk groups during the first UK Covid-19 lockdown through creative methods

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• High-risk groups (older adults, clinically extremely vulnerable - CEV) faced isolation, mental health challenges, and restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic's first UK lockdown.
• These experiences were compounded by increased societal restrictions and personal hardships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of high-risk groups during the first UK COVID-19 lockdown.
• To understand how these groups coped with loss, maintained wellbeing, and found meaning amidst the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 28 participants: 17 older adults, 8 CEV adults, 1 parent of a CEV child, and 2 family carers of CEV adults.
• Data collection utilized diverse creative methods including written reflections, interviews, poetry, videos, photographs, and visual artwork.

Main Results:

• Analysis through a positive psychology framework identified five key themes: experiencing loss, community and connection, finding joy/hope/optimism, adapting to change, and sense- and meaning-making.
• Participants actively fostered wellbeing and a sense of coherence despite profound loss.
• Engagement with artistic, creative, and cultural activities was central to participants' coping mechanisms and overall flourishing.

Conclusions:

• High-risk populations demonstrated resilience and adaptability during the COVID-19 lockdown.
• Creative and artistic engagement served as a vital tool for maintaining psychological wellbeing and constructing meaning.
• The arts provided not only a method for data collection but also emerged as a critical element in the participants' ability to thrive during adversity.