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

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.