Expert Reaction: Mental health impacts of NZ lockdown revealed
Survey: A study based solely on people’s responses to a series of questions.
People: This is a study based on research using people.
New Zealand's lockdown reduced wellbeing - particularly among young adults - according to a survey of 2000 Kiwis taken in April 2020. Researchers at the University of Otago found that almost 40 per cent reported low wellbeing, and about one third reported moderate-to-high distress: well above the levels measured in previous population surveys. However, over 60 per cent of people also experienced 'silver linings' at Alert Level 4, such as more time with family. The authors say Governments should consider the provision of psychosocial support as important as PPE.
Journal/conference: PLOS ONE
Link to research (DOI): 10.5061/dryad. 1c59zw3t0
Organisation/s: University of Otago
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New Zealand
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Expert Reaction
These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.
Associate Professor Janet Fanslow, School of Population Health, University of Auckland; Co-Director, New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse