Abstract
Mutual aid groups have flourished during the Covid‐19 pandemic. However, a major challenge is sustaining such groups, which tend to decline following the initial upsurge immediately after emergencies. The present study investigates one possible motivation for continued participation: the well‐being benefits associated with psychological membership of groups, as suggested by the “social cure” approach. Interviews were conducted with 11 volunteers in a mutual aid group organized by ACORN, a community union and anti‐poverty campaigning organization. Through qualitative analysis, we show that participation provided well‐being in different ways: positive emotional experiences, increased engagement in life, improved social relationships, and greater sense of control. Participants also reported some negative emotional experiences. While all interviewees experienced benefits from participation, those who viewed their participation through a political lens were able to experience additional benefits such as feelings of empowerment. Moreover, the benefits conferred by a shared political identity appeared to be qualitatively different from the benefits conferred by other forms of shared identity. The interview data is used to hypothesize an overall process by which participants may come to attain a political identity via mutual aid. These findings have implications for how such groups retain their members and how authorities support these groups.
Highlights
Self-isolation, or quarantine, has been a key behavioral intervention to mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 virus
In the study described in this paper, we examine the question of whether participation in Covid mutual aid groups provides mental health and well-being benefits to participants, and the processes by which it does so, through an interview study with 11 participants
We have examined the relevance of the “social cure” approach (Haslam et al, 2018) for a new domain (Covid-19 mutual aid groups) and explored the moderating role of type of group identity on well-being outcomes and processes
Summary
Self-isolation, or quarantine, has been a key behavioral intervention to mitigate the spread of the Covid-19 virus. People testing positive for the virus, those displaying symptoms, and those who have had contact with others who tested positive have had to self-isolate at home for periods of between 10 and 14 days at a time. Covid “mutual aid” and other community support groups have been critical in enabling many people to self-isolate. The proliferation of such groups has been one of the most positive stories of the pandemic (Monbiot, 2020). Seebohm et al (2013) define mutual aid as “self-organizing groups where people come together to address a shared health or social issue through mutual support” Mutual aid often targets the underlying social causes behind hardship, and can constitute a form of political participation (Big Door Brigade, 2020)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
