Martine Guderud’s research while affiliated with University of Bergen and other places

This study explores the psychological reactions to being placed in quarantine during the early stage (March and April 2020) of the COVID-19 lockdown in Norway. We interviewed a sample of nineteen Norwegian citizens aged 21–64 years who were quarantined for 14 days in the early period of the pandemic before testing and vaccination were available to the general population. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews about stress, coping, and adaptation to quarantine. A thematic analysis approach was used. Four main themes emerged in the interviews: (a) Being responsible, in terms of addressing the fear of being infected and infecting others, (b) The stress of the situation, in terms of highlighting worries, loss and loneliness, (c) Ways of coping, in terms of elaborating on cognitive, behavioral, and affective strategies to adapt to the quarantine, and (d) Social support and gratitude, in terms of appreciating interpersonal relations and the social context of the quarantine situation. The study contributes to our understanding of how differences in stress, appraisal, and coping may influence adaptation to a radically changed living condition in the early stage of the pandemic. These findings may inform health service providers and promote public health advise to support coping and resilient response in future health crises.

The aim of this study was to explore the psychological effects of being placed in quarantine during the early stage of the COVID-19 lockdown in Norway. We wanted to examine the effects of individual stress, coping strategies, and access to social support from family and friends. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 19 Norwegian citizens between 21-64 years who were quarantined during the first four weeks of the pandemic in March-April 2020. Four main themes emerged in the analysis: a) Being responsible, in terms of addressing the fear of being infected and infecting others, b) The stress of the situation, in terms of highlighting worries, loss and loneliness, c) Ways of coping, in terms of elaborating on cognitive, behavioral, and affective strategies to adapt to the quarantine, and d) Social support and gratitude, in terms of appreciating interpersonal relations and the social context of the quarantine situation. The study contributes to our understanding of how individual differences in stress and coping influenced the psychological outcomes of quarantine in the first weeks of the pandemic. These findings may inform health services and policy for future use of quarantine as an infection control measure.

The aim of this study was to explore the psychological effects of being placed in quarantine during the early stage of the COVID-19 lockdown in Norway. We wanted to examine the effects of individual stress, coping strategies, and access to social support from family and friends. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with 19 Norwegian citizens between 21-64 years who were quarantined during the first four weeks of the pandemic in March-April 2020. Four main themes emerged in the analysis: a) Being responsible, in terms of addressing the fear of being infected and infecting others, b) The stress of the situation, in terms of highlighting worries, loss and loneliness, c) Ways of coping, in terms of elaborating on cognitive, behavioral, and affective strategies to adapt to the quarantine, and d) Social support and gratitude, in terms of appreciating interpersonal relations and the social context of the quarantine situation. The study contributes to our understanding of how individual differences in stress and coping influenced the psychological outcomes of quarantine in the first weeks of the pandemic. These findings may inform health services and policy for future use of quarantine as an infection control measure.