Flowers amongst the weeds: benefit-finding during the Covid-19 pandemic in England

Purpose: Preliminary research suggests that in addition to negative experiences, many individuals experienced positive outcomes connected to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most research has studied post-traumatic growth, which can only account for cognitive positive change, which is a limitation. Therefore, this study aims to explore experiences of benefit-finding, which includes both practical and cognitive positive changes, relating to living through the COVID-19 pandemic in England within a general population sample. 

Design/methodology/approach: Two hundred thirty participants were recruited via non-randomised convenience sampling. Experiences of benefit-finding were assessed by qualitative self-report via an online questionnaire distributed as part of a larger mixed-methods pandemic study. Results were analysed via inductive content analysis. 

Findings: Approximately 70% of participants reported perceiving at least one benefit because of living through the COVID-19 pandemic. The most commonly reported perceived benefit was having more time to oneself, followed by having more time with family. Other benefits reported included changes to working and education styles, life slowing down and benefits of nature. Overall, the results presented that many individuals felt that the COVID-19 pandemic presented a greater opportunity to make decisions more in line with personal wants/goals. In this way, the COVID-19 pandemic may have presented a unique opportunity for life-crafting. 

Originality/value: This research provides unique evidence of both benefit-finding and life-crafting in the otherwise negative circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Such evidence presents use for understanding factors to support well-being in challenging circumstances and for the formulation of potential well-being interventions.