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

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.

Is there Anything Good about the COVID-19 Pandemic? Perceptions of the Positive Consequences at the Beginning of the Pandemic

“…In all these studies, as in our study, most participants highlighted the positive aspects of the pandemic in the individual sphere of life, such as enjoying leisure activities like reading, gardening, cooking, playing sports and spending time in the natural environment (Zrnić Novaković et al, 2022), the slower pace of life and more peace (Kowalski et al, 2021;Krajewski et al, 2021), and strengthening family relationships (Evans et al, 2020). In our study a positive outcome is most often quality family life (20.05%), followed by reflection and personal growth (16.77%) and a quality personal life (9.32%), which is best described by more free time for enjoyable activities.…”

“…In the qualitative analysis of the answers to the open question about the positive consequences of the pandemic, a customised code plan developed within the ADJUST Study was used. A detailed description of the code plan was presented by PSYCHOLOGICAL TOPICS, 31 (2022), 1, 1-25 Zrnić Novaković et al (2022). National data were independently coded by the first two authors of this paper to ensure a high level of credible coding.…”

“…These findings are consistent with research conducted during or immediately after the first phase of the pandemic. Thus, for example, 65.5% of participants in Poland (Krajewski et al, 2021), 89% in the USA (Van Kessel et al, 2021), and an average of 82.7% of participants in a large pan-European survey recognised positive aspects of the pandemic (range from 91% in Austria to 60.9% in Poland) (Zrnić Novaković et al, 2022).…”

“…This is usually done by posing open-ended questions about the positive and negative effects of pandemics as part of more extensive surveys (e.g. Krajewski et al, 2021;Zrnić Novaković et al, 2022). This neglect of looking for positive outcomes is surprising, given that the meta-analysis of 87 studies conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic showed that finding beneficial outcomes in stressful situations was associated with lower depression and better psychological well-being (Helgeson et al, 2006).…”

“…The most prominent themes related to the burdens and negative aspects of the pandemic included limitations and changes in daily life, emotional reactions and the area of work and finances. Responses on the positive consequences of the pandemic were most often related to reflection and personal growth, opportunities for meaningful/pleasant activities, and well-being at the interpersonal level (Zrnić Novaković et al, 2022).…”