biostudies-literatureUnknown24(1)Ranieri VSir Bobby Charlton Foundation<h4>Background</h4>This study examined perceptions of coercion, pressures and procedural injustice and how such perceptions influenced psychological well-being in those who experienced a UK COVID-19 lockdown, with a view to preparing for the possibility of future lockdowns.<h4>Methods</h4>40 individuals categorised as perceiving the lockdown(s) as either highly or lowly coercive took part in one of six asynchronous virtual focus groups (AVFGs).<h4>Results</h4>Using thematic analysis, the following key themes were identified in participants' discussions: (1) Choice, control and freedom; (2) threats; (3) fairness; (4) circumstantial factors; and (5) psychological factors.<h4>Conclusions</h4>As the first qualitative study to investigate the psychological construct of perceived coercion in relBMC public health793https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10938678biostudies-literaturePandemic lockdowns: who feels coerced and why? - a study on perceived coercion, perceived pressures and procedural justice during the UK COVID-19 lockdowns.PMC10938678Edwards SJRanieri VGordon CKamboj SKfalsePandemic lockdowns: who feels coerced and why? - a study on perceived coercion, perceived pressures and procedural justice during the UK COVID-19 lockdowns.<h4>Background</h4>This study examined perceptions of coercion, pressures and procedural injustice and how such perceptions influenced psychological well-being in those who experienced a UK COVID-19 lockdown, with a view to preparing for the possibility of future lockdowns.<h4>Methods</h4>40 individuals categorised as perceiving the lockdown(s) as either highly or lowly coercive took part in one of six asynchronous virtual focus groups (AVFGs).<h4>Results</h4>Using thematic analysis, the following key themes were identified in participants' discussions: (1) Choice, control and freedom; (2) threats; (3) fairness; (4) circumstantial factors; and (5) psychological factors.<h4>Conclusions</h4>As the first qualitative study to investigate the psychological construct of perceived coercion in rel2024-01-01T00:00:00Z2024 Mar2026-07-15T00:37:55.404Z2026-06-27T03:05:09.63ZS-EPMC109386783848119010.1186/s12889-024-17985-1