“You kind of want the world to stop, and it did”: shared experiences of widowhood during and following Covid-19

Widowhood can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing. Social support, extending activities, and group memberships help facilitate adjustment. However, the incidence and negative consequences of widowhood may have been compounded during Covid-19, as the social distancing measures imposed resulted in reduced access to social support and services. This study aimed to explore widowhood experiences during and following the pandemic, including the challenges and facilitators to adaptation. The study utilised a phased multi-method design, including focus groups (N=7), an online survey (N=22), and a collaborative workshop (N=5) with participants from England and Wales. Four themes were generated from the data: 1) The transition of widowhood is complex; 2) Covid-19 presented particular challenges; 3) Aspects of the pandemic provided benefits; and 4) Lived experiences can inform recommendations. The findings highlight the need for further exploration of a wider range of widowhood experiences and the development of recommendations to improve support and resources for those widowed during and following Covid-19 to promote positive adjustment.