“You kind of want the world to stop, and it did”: Shared experiences of widowhood during and following Covid-19

Widowhood can have a negative impact on health and wellbeing. Social support, extending activities, and group memberships help facilitate adjustment. However, the incidence and negative consequences of widowhood may have been compounded during Covid-19, as the social distancing measures imposed resulted in reduced access to social support and services. This study aimed to explore widowhood experiences during and following the pandemic. The study utilized a phased multi-method design, including focus groups (<i>N</i> = 7), an online survey (<i>N</i> = 22), and a collaborative workshop (<i>N</i> = 5) with participants from England and Wales. Four themes were generated: (1) The transition of widowhood is complex; (2) Covid-19 presented particular challenges; (3) Aspects of the pandemic provided benefits; and (4) Lived experiences can inform recommendations. The findings highlight the need for further exploration of a wider range of widowhood experiences and the development of recommendations to improve support and resources for those widowed to promote positive adjustment.