Understanding the psychological and social impact of the pandemic
2020-2022
FINAL REPORT
In this report, we provide an overview of our main findings from two years of research, the impact that the study has had in helping the government respond to the pandemic, its influence on people’s daily lives, as well as the work we’ve done to collaborate with researchers around the world.
The COVID-19 Social Study, run by University College London, is the UK's largest study on the psychological and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Involving more than 70,000 people who contributed 1.2 million surveys, 20,000 testimonials and 400 telephone interviews to date, the study provided vital data throughout the pandemic, informing the public, NHS, government, and hundreds of third sector organisations.
ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize
We are delighted that the COVID-19 Social Study won the ESRC 'Outstanding Societal Impact' prize. Watch the short film below to learn more about the huge nationwide impact of the study.
THE STUDY - FINDINGS IN YEAR 1
Watch what we've learned about COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.
Year 2 video coming shortly...
UNDERTAKE RESEARCH WITH US
The COVID-19 Social Study has now completed data collection.
A fully anonymised version of the dataset is archived on the UK Data Service to support continued scientific analyses. Any scientists who wish to undertake research using the data can apply for safeguarded permission-only access.
STUDY AIMS
The COVID-19 Social Study set out to:
We analysed data in real-time and shared the results each week across the pandemic with key decision makers, including:
Along with hundreds of mental health organisations, community groups and charities, so the results have had an impact every day. The input of our study participants has guided the advice given to the public during the pandemic and as we emerge from the crisis.
The study is funded by the Wellcome Trust the Nuffield Foundation, with further support from UK Research and Innovation. However, the views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the funders. Click here to read more about the Nuffield Foundation. We are grateful for support with recruitment from Find Out Now, HealthWise Wales, NUS, Age UK, SEO Works, the Ramblers, and FieldworkHub.
Track patterns of mental health and loneliness in the UK during the pandemic
Understand which groups were most at risk
Identify potentially protective activities people could be engaging in
