Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis on Everyday Living and Mental Health

Introduction

This is a report of findings of a group discussion on the cost of living crisis generated by ChatGPT. The analysis that follows is based on a short segment of the group covering the impact of the cost of living crisis on their finances , day to day activity and wellbeing.

The video above uses AI generated avatars to represent each of the participants at the discussion. An article explaining the method and the strengths and weaknesses of the experiment can be found here.

The AI focus group discussion delved deep into personal experiences amidst the current cost of living crisis. A diverse set of participants shared insights, highlighting significant themes regarding the crisis's overall impact, adaptations in everyday living, and mental health consequences.

This report synthesises the key findings, illustrated with relevant participants' quotes, to encapsulate the lived realities during this economic downturn.

The analysis that follows was written entirely by ChatGPT. The prompt used was:

Write a short report drawing out the themes from the focus group discussion of the cost of living crisis, its overall impact and the impact on everyday living and mental health. Pick out the most important themes and Illustrate key points with selective quotes and comment on how important the point is for the group. Discuss points where opinions differed. Use a professional tone, writing in paragraphs.

Precarious finances and adaptive strategies

A key theme was the heightened sense of financial precariousness compelling individuals to adopt survival strategies. Participants delineated the tangible shifts in their shopping, cooking, and general consumption habits, emphasising the necessity versus luxury balance.

Lewis captured this sentiment, stating, "It's all about what's affordable, not what's exciting." This 'back to basics' approach was a common refrain, highlighting a re-evaluation of 'needs' and 'wants.' For instance, Emily shared, "I bulk buy with flatmates now, and we rotate who cooks to save on, uh, everything..." These narratives underscore the significant recalibrations individuals undertake to navigate financial strains, pointing towards a broader theme of resilience and communal coping mechanisms.

However, opinions diverged regarding balancing economisation and maintaining a certain quality of life. Richard advocated for resilience and a proactive mindset, "It’s about navigating through, not just absorbing the impact." This perspective, while acknowledging the crisis, suggested a degree of agency, contrasting with others who felt more at the mercy of their circumstances.

Psychological impact and mental health

The psychological toll of the economic crisis emerged as a unanimous concern, cutting across all demographics. Participants reported increased anxiety, stress, and a sense of isolation, exacerbated by financial instability.

Alice’s experience was particularly telling: "The constant worry over making ends meet, providing for the kids... it keeps me up at night." Similarly, Derek noted, "It's like you're always on edge." These experiences were not isolated, indicating a pervasive atmosphere of anxiety and helplessness, with mental health directly tethered to economic pressures.

Interestingly, strategies for mental health preservation varied, with some, like Richard, emphasizing a structured routine and positive mindset, whereas others found solace in communal support or introspection. The variance suggests that mental health responses are deeply individualized, warranting diverse support mechanisms.

Communal bonds and support systems

Despite hardships, a noteworthy theme was the strengthening of communal bonds and support systems. Participants like Emily and Patricia leaned into shared resources, whether through bulk buying, sharing household responsibilities or emotional support. These narratives suggest that economic hardship, while a source of stress, also fosters communal ties and highlights the importance of social capital in resilience.

Conclusion

The focus group illuminated the multifaceted impact of the cost of living crisis on individuals from various walks of life. The economic strain has undeniably permeated all aspects of everyday living, necessitating both lifestyle adaptations and shifts in consumption patterns. More critically, the crisis's mental health impact is profound, underlining the need for comprehensive support systems.

Differing opinions, particularly regarding individual agency in handling the crisis, suggest that responses to economic hardships are influenced by personal circumstances, past experiences, and inherent coping mechanisms. These insights are invaluable, indicating that policy interventions must be multidimensional, addressing not just the financial aspect but also incorporating mental health resources and community-building initiatives.

Overall, the narratives underscore the human aspect behind the economic figures, emphasising that the ramifications of a cost of living crisis extend far beyond the wallet, influencing societal fabric and individual well-being.

Recommendations:

• Implementation of community support programs focusing on mental health, providing resources accessible to individuals facing economic hardships.
• Policy adjustments prioritising financial relief and sustainable economic support systems, catering to diverse needs emerging from various demographics.
• Encouragement of communal coping mechanisms, potentially through government or local council initiatives that foster community resilience and mutual aid.