Exploring experiences with stressors and coping resources among Dutch socioeconomic groups during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Summary The COVID-19 crisis impacts populations globally. This impact seems to differ for groups with low- and high-socioeconomic status (SES). We conducted a qualitative study in the Netherlands using a salutogenic perspective to examine experiences with stressors and coping resources during the pandemic among both SES groups to gain insight on how to promote the health and well-being of these groups. We conducted 10 focus group discussions and 20 interviews to explore the experiences, including resources and stressors, of respondents from low- (N = 37) and high-SES (N = 38) groups (25–55 years, Dutch speaking). We analyzed the findings at individual, community, and national levels. The results show that coping depends on government-imposed measures and the way individuals handle these measures; restriction to the home context with positive and negative consequences for work and leisure; psychological negative consequences and resourcefulness; and social effects related to unity (e.g. social cohesion or support) and division (including polarization). Respondents with lower SES expressed more problems with COVID-19 measures and experienced more social impact in their neighborhood than those with higher SES. Where low-SES groups especially mentioned the effects of staying at home on family life, high-SES groups mentioned effects on work life. At last, psychological consequences seem to differ somewhat across SES groups. Recommendations include consistent government-imposed measures and government communication, support for home schooling children, and strengthening the social fabric of neighborhoods.

Possíveis impactos da pandemia de Covid-19 nas famílias: uma revisão sistemática

“…Além disso, a junção da baixa renda com a baixa escolaridade das famílias trouxe novas visões acerca do impacto da pandemia, visto que a percepção do isolamento e das medidas de segurança foram diferentes quando comparados com famílias de renda e escolaridade superior (Kamp et al, 2023). Tal fator acentua a divergência social presente nas pesquisas avaliadas uma vez que os estudos foram realizados majoritariamente em países mais desenvolvidos.…”

Participatory community health promotion

“…A timeline can be used to help actors recall what happened, when, and why. For example, we used a timeline in interviews with 75 citizens about resilience during the Covid crisis [84][85][86] . Participation ladders can be used to assess participation level [70][71] .…”