Published one year on from New Zealand's nationwide lockdown, an Otago University study has shown almost two thirds of the country believed there to be "silver linings" to the country's period of lockdown. Pride in New Zealand's response, taking up hobbies, forming friendships with neighbours and having more time to exercise were among the silver linings experienced by participants, said lead researcher Dr Matthew Jenkins. Connecting with family and neighbours were some of the silver linings experienced. "Our findings show that in a time of turmoil, unrest and psychological distress, many people nonetheless found silver linings," he said. The full article, "Silver linings of the Covid-19 lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand" is published in the international scientific journal, PLOS ONE.

Source: New Zealand Herald April 01, 2021 18:00 UTC