COVID-19 and the Trajectory of Participation, Inclusion, and Psychological Well-Being Among Adults With and Without Mental Disorders - A Follow-up Study from Germany

Abstract

To assess the impact of the Corona pandemic on participation, feelings of inclusion, and mental well-being among adults with and without current or chronic mental health problems. Follow-up study with pretest prior to the onset of the Corona pandemic and two follow-up assessments during a first lockdown in April 2020 and a second lockdown in November 2020. We used the Measure of Participation and Social Inclusion for Use in People with a Chronic Mental Disorder (F-INK) and the Brief Symptom Inventory BSI-18, a short instrument for the assessment of psychological distress (n = 112). Across all groups, compared to the preceding surveys we found no detrimental effect on the mental health status four weeks after the beginning of the lockdown in November 2020. Against the background of heterogeneous findings on the impact of the pandemic, this study confirms studies that found, on average, a general resilience in well-being.