Updated psychosocial support: Evidence base in the COVID-19 context

Abstract

This report summarises the emerging evidence base for psychosocial impacts and psychosocial support interventions in the COVID-19 pandemic in the following areas: The psychosocial and mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to date The evidence base for the effectiveness of psychosocial support services in the response and recovery to COVID-19 in supporting individual and community adaptation and well-being A brief overview of psychosocial interventions related to COVID-19 pertinent to the Aotearoa New Zealand context. Emerging impacts from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic include impacts to physical and mental health, exacerbation of disparities, secondary impacts from public health measures (e.g. social distancing), and negative economic consequences. Several groups appear to be more at risk. Evidence suggests that ensuing psychosocial needs are immediate and are likely to continue long term. Psychosocial recovery plans and interventions need, as much as possible, to be evidence informed, flexible enough to stay relevant to the evolving context, address disparities, and adapt to and reflect different cultural and community contexts