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‘It’s Easily the Lowest I’ve Ever, Ever Got to’: A Qualitative Study of Young Adults’ Social Isolation during the COVID-19 Lockdowns in the UK

Author

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  • Chloe C. Dedryver

    (Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK)

  • Cécile Knai

    (Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, UK)

Abstract

(1) Background: Social connectivity is key to young people’s mental health. Local assets facilitate social connection, but were largely inaccessible during the pandemic. This study consequently investigates the social isolation of young adults and their use of local assets during the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK. (2) Methods: Fifteen semi-structured Zoom interviews were undertaken with adults aged 18–24 in the UK. Recruitment took place remotely, and transcripts were coded and analysed thematically. (3) Results: Digital assets were key to young people’s social connectivity, but their use was associated with stress, increased screen time and negative mental health outcomes. The lockdowns impacted social capital, with young people’s key peripheral networks being lost, yet close friendships being strengthened. Finally, young people’s mental health was greatly affected by the isolation, but few sought help, mostly out of a desire to not overburden the NHS. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the extent of the impact of the pandemic isolation on young people’s social capital and mental health. Post-pandemic strategies targeting mental health system strengthening, social isolation and help-seeking behaviours are recommended.

Suggested Citation

  • Chloe C. Dedryver & Cécile Knai, 2021. "‘It’s Easily the Lowest I’ve Ever, Ever Got to’: A Qualitative Study of Young Adults’ Social Isolation during the COVID-19 Lockdowns in the UK," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:11777-:d:675706
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. O'Neil, A. & Quirk, S.E. & Housden, S. & Brennan, S.L. & Williams, L.J. & Pasco, J.A. & Berk, M. & Jacka, F.N., 2014. "Relationship between diet and mental health in children and adolescents: A systematic review," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 104(10), pages 31-42.
    2. Amanda Wilkinson & Lucy Bowen & Elias Gustavsson & Simon Håkansson & Nicole Littleton & James McCormick & Michelle Thompson & Hilda Mulligan, 2019. "Maintenance and Development of Social Connection by People with Long-term Conditions: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-11, May.
    3. Hedviga Tkáčová & Martina Pavlíková & Zita Jenisová & Patrik Maturkanič & Roman Králik, 2021. "Social Media and Students’ Wellbeing: An Empirical Analysis during the Covid-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-19, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Patrik Maturkanič & Ivana Tomanová Čergeťová & Roman Králik & Ľubomír Hlad & Marie Roubalová & Jose Garcia Martin & Viliam Judák & Amantius Akimjak & Lucia Petrikovičová, 2022. "The Phenomenon of Social and Pastoral Service in Eastern Slovakia and Northwestern Czech Republic during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison of Two Selected Units of Former Czechoslovakia in the Context," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Oakley, Erin & Vintges, Joost & Abu Hamad, Bassam & Mitu, Khadija & Seager, Jennifer & Yadete, Workneh & Jones, Nicola & Baird, Sarah, 2025. "Adolescence, Interrupted: A narrative review of the impact of Covid-19 on adolescent wellbeing," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 185(C).
    3. Gaia Sampogna & Maurizio Pompili & Andrea Fiorillo, 2021. "Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Worldwide Perspective," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-5, December.

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