Mental Health and Poverty During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic brought various challenges to persons living in poverty, a subpopulation predisposed to mental health concerns. I conducted this research to fill a gap in existing research by addressing the research question: “What are the mental health and well-being experiences of persons living in poverty during the COVID-19 pandemic?” Methods: This research was conducted in two phases: 1) a systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative literature; and 2) a secondary analysis of existing qualitative data from a study focused on psychosocial well-being and meaningful activity for persons living in poverty during COVID-19. Findings: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated inequities and brought additional challenges related to sustaining good mental health and well-being for persons experiencing poverty or financial precarity. Implications: The findings of this research emphasize the importance of having adequate financial resources in affording basic needs and supporting mental health and well-being.

Name thesis:degree_name

M Sc

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Grantor dc:publisher

The University of Western Ontario

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Allen, Jessica

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Marshall, Carrie A.

• mental health
• well-being
• poverty
• low-income
• COVID-19
• pandemic
• income support
• universal basic income
• basic income guarantee

Language dc:language.iso

en_ca

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14721/28487

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:uwo.scholaris.ca:20.500.14721/28487