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

  1. Simon N Williams
  2. Christopher J. Armitage
  3. Tova Tampe
  4. Kimberly Dienes
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Explore the perceptions and experiences of the UK public of social distancing and social isolation measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

Qualitative study comprising five focus groups carried out online during the early stages of the UK’s social distancing and isolation measures (5-12 days post lockdown).

SETTING

Online video-conferencing

PARTICIPANTS

27 participants, all UK residents aged 18 years and older, representing a range of gender, ethnic, age and occupational backgrounds.

RESULTS

The social distancing and isolation associated with COVID-19 policy has had having substantial negative impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of the UK public within a short time of policy implementation. It has disproportionately negatively affected those in low-paid or precarious employment. Practical social and economic losses - the loss of (in-person) social interaction, loss of income and loss of structure and routine – led to psychological and emotional ‘losses’ – the loss of motivation, loss of meaning, and loss of self-worth. Participants reported high adherence to distancing and isolation guidelines but reported seeing or hearing of non-adherence in others. A central concern for participants was the uncertainty duration of the measures, and their ability to cope longer-term. Some participants felt they would have lingering concerns over social contact while others were eager to return to high levels of social activity.

CONCLUSIONS

A rapid response is necessary in terms of public health programming to mitigate the mental health impacts of COVID-19 social distancing and isolation. Initial high levels of support for, and adherence to, social distancing and isolation is likely to wane over time, particularly where end dates are uncertain. Social distancing and isolation ‘exit strategies’ must account for the fact that, although some individuals will voluntarily or habitually continue to socially distance, others will seek high levels of social engagement as soon as possible.

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What is already known on this topic

  • Adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions during pandemics is lower where people have low trust in government and where people perceive themselves at relatively low risk from the disease

  • There is a need for evidence on public perceptions and experiences of the psychological and social public experiences of COVID-19 related social distancing and isolation, and its relation to adherence.

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What this study adds

  • People lack trust in government and perceive themselves at low personal risk,but closely adhere to social distancing and isolation measures motivated by social conscience, and are critical of non-adherence in others.

  • Population-wide social distancing and isolation can have significant negative social and psychological impacts within a short time of policy implementation.

  • Key concerns during social distancing and isolation are uncertainty of duration and ability to cope longer-term.

  • At the end of pandemic ‘lockdowns’, some individuals will likely voluntarily or habitually continue to socially distance, while others will likely seek high levels of social engagement as soon as possible.

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