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. 2022;41(11):7493-7499.
doi: 10.1007/s12144-020-01318-7. Epub 2021 Jan 3.

Coping strategies of individuals in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ifeanyichukwu Anthony Ogueji  1 , Maia Makeda Okoloba  2 , Benie McDenisa Demoko Ceccaldi  2
Affiliations

Coping strategies of individuals in the United Kingdom during the COVID-19 pandemic

Ifeanyichukwu Anthony Ogueji et al. Curr Psychol. 2022.

Abstract

The United Kingdom (UK) was among the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is, therefore, imperative to understand the coping strategies of individuals in the UK during the pandemic to develop appropriate programs and policies for them. A heterogeneous sample of 50 UK residents (15 males & 35 females) with an age range of 18-55 years were recruited using a snowball technique from Facebook between April and May 2020. Participants responded to 4 open-ended questions (that were generated through consultation with literature and 2 health practitioners) that sought to explore their coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze data using a data-driven method. Eleven themes were found: "socializing with loved ones (e.g., through video calls)", "engaging in exercise", "being occupied with jobs", "being occupied with studies", "avoiding negative news on COVID-19", "consumption of alcohol", "healthy eating", "engaging in meditation activities", "gaming activities", "hope", and "self-care and self-appreciation", in that order. Positive and maladaptive coping strategies were employed by some individuals in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic. This, therefore, echoes the need for appropriate psychosocial support programs that strengthen positive coping strategies and mitigate maladaptive coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Coping strategies; Qualitative research; U.K..

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestThe authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

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