Mental wellbeing and psychological distress in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison across time

Knowles, James R, Gray, Nicola S., John, Ann, O’Connor, Christopher, Pink, Jennifer, Simkiss, Nicola J. and Snowden, Robert J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9900-480X 2023. Mental wellbeing and psychological distress in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparison across time. Advances in Mental Health 21 (1) , pp. 30-42. 10.1080/18387357.2022.2039072

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Abstract

Objective This study aimed to assess the trajectory of wellbeing and psychological distress in a UK sample by comparing data taken from the first and second UK lockdowns. Method Wellbeing (indexed via the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) and psychological distress (indexed via the K10) were measured in two surveys in large online samples from Wales, UK. The first survey (n = 12,989) took place 11–16 weeks into the first UK lockdown and the second survey (n = 10,428) took place 4–11 weeks into the second UK lockdown. Results Levels of wellbeing were lower in the second survey compared to the first survey, which were already low compared to pre-pandemic data (2019). Clinically significant levels of psychological distress were found in 40.4% of participants in the second survey, representing a 9.8% increase in prevalence from the first survey. Poorer mental health was found in women, younger adults, and those from deprived areas. The greatest reduction in mental health was found in the youngest age group (16-24 years old). Discussion The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures taken to curb its spread continue to negatively impact the wellbeing of the UK population.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	e-Content Management
ISSN:	1837-4905
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	4 January 2022
Date of Acceptance:	3 January 2022
Last Modified:	06 Nov 2023 22:44
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/146335

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