Young People’s Attitudes, Perceptions and Experiences of Social Distancing and Self-Isolation During the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objectives: Social distancing and self-isolation were key parts of the UK’s strategy for reducing the spread of COVID-19. This study explored young people’s attitudes, perceptions and experiences of social distancing and social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Qualitative individual, family and paired-friendship interviews were conducted. All 26 participants lived or worked in East London and were aged between 20 and 39 years. Results: Qualitative analysis revealed three main themes: 1) trust and breaking of the social distancing and self-isolation rules—trust in their friends to be careful and say if they are unwell; 2) own rule making—making their own household rules which made them less guilty about breaking national rules as they were adhering to rules (albeit their own); and 3) lack of clarity around self isolation and the need for practical support—confusion around length of time needed to self isolate and what self-isolation really meant. Conclusion: Developing more effective and targeted communications and practical support mechanisms to encourage better adherence to social distancing and self-isolation rules among young people will be essential to prevent the spread of COVID-19.