Thesis Format
Monograph
Degree
Master of Science
Program
Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
Supervisor
Marshall, Carrie A.
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought various challenges to persons living in poverty, a subpopulation predisposed to mental health concerns. I conducted this research to fill a gap in existing research by addressing the research question: “What are the mental health and well-being experiences of persons living in poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic?” Methods: This research was conducted in two phases: 1) a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative literature; and 2) a secondary analysis of existing qualitative data from a study focused on psychosocial well-being and meaningful activity for persons living in poverty during COVID-19. Findings: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequities and brought additional challenges related to sustaining good mental health and well-being for persons experiencing poverty or financial precarity. Implications: The findings of this research emphasize the importance of having adequate financial resources in affording basic needs and supporting mental health and well-being.
Summary for Lay Audience
Sustaining good mental health can become challenging in times of crisis or uncertainty, such as the global COVID-19 pandemic. This is especially true for people who experience poverty or live in low-income as they may lack access to important resources that support their mental well-being. This thesis explores the question: “What are the mental health and well-being experiences of persons living in poverty during the COVID-19. pandemic?” The research was completed in two phases. Phase I consisted of a systematic review and meta-aggregation of existing literature. In Phase II, I analyzed interview transcripts from an existing study focused on meaningful activity and psychosocial well-being for persons living in poverty during COVID-19 to answer the research question: “What were the experiences of persons living in poverty with income support programs during the COVID-19 pandemic in relation to mental health and well-being?” The findings from Phase I indicate that for many, the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions caused increased stress and uncertainty, negatively influencing mental health. Pandemic-related factors such as reduced income or work hours, closure of public facilities and schools, and increasing inflation and cost of living were seen to contribute to psychological stress and poor mental health at this time. In Phase II, the results indicate that income support systems in Ontario were insufficient to meet the needs of persons living in poverty, contributing to experiences of increased stress and poor mental health. The findings of this research demonstrate the importance of having enough financial resources to afford basic needs and support mental health, especially during a global health crisis.
Recommended Citation
Allen, Jessica, "Mental Health and Poverty During the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2024). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 10556.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/10556
Included in
Community Health Commons, Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, COVID-19 Commons, Emergency and Disaster Management Commons, Health Policy Commons, Income Distribution Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Social Justice Commons, Social Policy Commons, Social Welfare Commons