More working dads needed for research into 2020 stress

A project measuring people’s stress and anxiety levels this year is looking for more working dads to take part.

The University of Southampton research is taking evidence from across the globe. But they need more Brits to share their experiences, and more men in particular. 

COH-FIT – ‘Collaborative Outcomes study on Health and Functioning during Infection Times’ – has collected data from more than 105,000 people around the world. It is looking into people’s mental and physical wellbeing, access to care and coping strategies, during and after the pandemic.

Stress levels

So far around a third of UK respondents have reported their stress levels worsening this year. 

The most effective coping strategies reported were direct personal contact or interactions, exercise or walking, internet use, meaningful hobbies and media use. Around one-third said they found that keeping informed about COVID-19 through social media and remote social interactions served as good coping mechanisms. Stress could also be countered through physical intimacy or sexual activity or spending time with a pet.

People also reported feeling more lonely and more angry because of the coronavirus and the restrictions it’s brought. 

Boffins

Far more women than men said they were feeling stressed, angry or lonely. But that could be because the research so far has been skewed towards women. The boffins need more men and dads to take part in order to build up an accurate picture.

In the UK just 2000 people have completed the anonymous survey so far. 75% of respondents have been female. 

Samuel Cortese, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton and Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist with Solent NHS Trust, is leading the UK section of the survey. He said, ”It’s very important that we encourage as many people as possible to take part in the survey as the results will inform health policies in the UK and internationally after the pandemic is over, including what actions could be taken to help those most affected should other pandemics arise.”

You can take the survey by clicking here

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