Silver Linings Reported by Australians Experiencing Public Health Restrictions during the First Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Report

Narelle Campbell, Sandra C. Thompson, Anna Tynan, Louise Townsin, Lauren A. Booker and Geoff Argus
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Narelle Campbell: Rural and Remote Health College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Darwin 0815, Australia
Sandra C. Thompson: Western Australian Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia, Geraldton 6530, Australia
Anna Tynan: Research Support Team, Darling Downs Health, Toowoomba 4350, Australia
Louise Townsin: Research Office, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia
Lauren A. Booker: La Trobe Rural Health School, University Department of Rural Health, La Trobe University, Bendigo 3551, Australia
Geoff Argus: Southern Queensland Rural Health, The University of Queensland, Toowoomba 4350, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 21, 1-10

Abstract: This national study investigated the positives reported by residents experiencing the large-scale public health measures instituted in Australia to manage the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Most Australians had not previously experienced the traditional public health measures used (social distancing, hand hygiene and restriction of movement) and which could potentially impact negatively on mental well-being. The research design included qualitative semi-structured phone interviews where participants described their early pandemic experiences. Data analysis used a rapid identification of themes technique, well-suited to large-scale qualitative research. The ninety participants (mean age 48 years; 70 women) were distributed nationally. Analysis revealed five themes linked with mental well-being and the concept of silver linings: safety and security, gratitude and appreciation, social cohesion and connections, and opportunities to reset priorities and resilience. Participants demonstrated support for the public health measures and evidence of individual and community resilience. They were cognisant of positives despite personal curtailment and negative impacts of public health directives. Stories of hope, strength, and acceptance, innovative connections with others and focusing on priorities and opportunities within the hardship were important strategies that others could use in managing adversity.

Keywords: mental health; resilience; policy; rapid evaluation; theme identification (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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