Who Received Informal Social Support During the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany, and Who Did Not? The Role of Social Networks, Life Course and Pandemic-Specific Risks

Abstract

In this article, we study the receipt of informal support during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. The containment measures have had various, far-reaching consequences for the wellbeing of people, creating demands for economic, practical, and emotional support—even among individuals who hitherto were not in need of support. Existing research has shown substantial levels of informal support during the pandemic, often based on individuals’ existing social networks, but has predominantly taken the perspective of donors. In this article, we focus on the “demand” or recipient “side” of informal support, and ask: (1) Who receives which type of informal social support during the pandemic? (2) Who reports unmet need? (3) Which factors explain support receipt, unmet need and the type of support received? To explain patterns of receiving social support, we identify “classic” life course and “new” pandemic-specific risks and complement this perspective with individuals’ support potentials from their social networks. Empirically, we use data from an online survey, collected among a quota sample of the German population (n = 4,496) at the end of the first lockdown in late spring 2020. Our analysis shows that one in six respondents received social support, while only 3% report unmet need. Practical and emotional support are most widespread. Using logistic and multinomial logistic regression models our results show that social support in general and the type of support received can be explained by life course and pandemic risks, while unmet need is mainly a consequence of social network structure.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of instrumental help by older people across Europe

“…Finally, our study focusses primarily on the supply side of instrumental help and the determinants of providing help as we were primarily interested in better understanding how and to what degree the COVID-19 pandemic and its accompanying epidemiological control measures affected the provision of help to others outside the own household (the help provided in the multigenerational households was not included in the analyses). Further research should also look more closely at the demand side and determinants of receiving help (for example the correlation between health status, living alone and reciprocity of the intergenerational exchange during the pandemic; see, e.g., Bertogg and Koos, 2022 for Germany). Regarding reciprocity, it could be argued that the sequence of receiving and providing help is of relevance.…”

The changing role of family as provider of intergenerational support during COVID- 19: a longitudinal study into the mental health consequences for older Europeans

“…Previous studies showed that older adults' level of intergenerational interactions were more likely to increase in countries with more stringent measures (Vergauwen et al, 2022). These increases in support are likely responses to intensi ed pre-existing needs for support as well as newly created needs among older adults who were previously not relying on external support (Bertogg & Koos, 2022).…”

“…help to obtain groceries or medications, help to get dressed), usually related to mobility limitations and declining health (Deindl & Brandt, 2011). While these individuals were already reliant on support in pre-pandemic times, the containment interventions gave rise to a new group of older adults in need who were previously not depending on external support (Bertogg & Koos, 2022).…”

The influence of economic pressure, emotional distress, and spousal warmth on distress during the covid-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study from midlife to older adulthood

“…Therefore, in analyzing certain past events and experiences…[it may be beneficial to] "follow groups of individuals into the future getting a continuous record of experiences as they occur" (Newman & Newman, 2016, p. 201). Life course theory helps to pin point vulnerable groups that need support, by following people's experiences between various stages (i.e., middle adulthood to older adulthood) (Bertogg & Koos, 2022). Life transitions are a part of these trajectories by explaining "the beginning or close of an event, role relationship, or developmental stage" (Newman & Newman, 2016, p. 202).…”

“…Indeed, behavior characteristics on an individual level may be influenced by people with whom they have a close relationship. An example of "linked lives" of a married couple (partner dyads) can be through sharing healthy behavior mechanisms and sharing resources (such as exchanging emotional support) (Ang, 2021;Bertogg & Koos, 2022). In trying to understand patterns of behavior over time, life course theory can be applicable by looking at actions and thoughts related to outside changes within the environment and aiming to understand differences in how groups of people perceive events in life (Alwin, 2012).…”