Studies to look into impact on wellbeing

TWO studies are being launched to look into the effects the coronavirus is having on mental health and wellbeing.

Glasgow University, in partnership with the Samaritans and the Scottish Association for Mental Health, has recruited 3,000 adults from across the UK and will track them using mental health indicators such as anxiety, depression, loneliness and self-harm to understand the impact the pandemic is having.

The study will last for six months, allowing researchers to track mental health during and after the lockdown.

Professor Rory O’connor said: “We are living through exceptional times that people will find unsettling and leave them uncertain of what the future may bring. By tracking a representative sample of the UK public, we will be able to identify who is most vulnerable and what helps to keep people well.”

A team of scientists at Glasgow Caledonian University have also launched a study.

The investigation in Scotland is being led by GCU head of psychology Dr Kerri Mcpherson and senior lecturer in applied health psychology Dr Kareena McaloneyKocaman.

They are asking people to sign up to be part of the study, if they are living in Scotland and aged over 18.