The ESTSS ADJUST COVID-19 project has reached its successful conclusion, marking one of the most productive cross-national collaborations within the Society.
The ADJUST study initiated under the ESTSS, was a large-scale, pan-European longitudinal three-wave cohort study launched in March 2020 to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research consortium, led by Prof. Annett Lotzin from University of Hamburg, comprised eleven research teams from ESTSS member countries (Austria, Croatia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Sweden).
Its primary goal was to examine how risk and protective factors (such as income, health status, and coping behaviors), and pandemic-related stressors (such as fear of infection, social isolation, and work difficulties), predicted symptoms of adjustment disorder. Guided by a WHO-based social determinants framework, the study followed participants over three survey waves, enabling longitudinal analyses.
The ADJUST study so far produced more than 30 international open-access publications. The study identified risk and protective factors associated with mental health problems, such as trauma exposure, limited social contact, and pandemic news exposure. Further research provided prevalence estimates of probable adjustment disorder during the pandemic, validated mental health screening tools across countries, and developed new pandemic-specific tools to assess pandemic stressors and coping. The study also delivered longitudinal data on symptom trajectories over the pandemic and generated qualitative insights into resilience and positive adaptation.
During the lifetime of the project, an international thesis network was built to enable young researchers to complete their thesis despite of the lockdown restrictions. In addition to bachelor’s and master’s theses, the collaboration produced five doctoral dissertations based on the ADJUST study data. The study data have now been prepared for sharing with other researchers (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/8XHYG).
Beyond its scientific impact, the ADJUST study’s findings have been widely disseminated to ministries, public health authorities, and the general public across Europe through written summaries, interviews, and webinars, informing psychosocial support measures and national pandemic strategies. The ADJUST team appeared in more than 250 media articles or interviews during the pandemic on topics related to the ADJUST study, such as practical questions on how to promote mental health during the pandemic.
The ADJUST study teams consistently described the collaboration as highly positive and professionally rewarding, emphasizing the scientific value, strong coordination, and supportive network that developed throughout the project.
The ADJUST study stands as a significant achievement for ESTSS, demonstrating the value of rapid, coordinated international research efforts in times of crisis and strengthening international cooperation within the society.
“The ADJUST study has been a truly inspiring and rewarding experience. Bringing together researchers from 11 European countries during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the strength of our collaboration, our resilience, and our shared scientific commitment within ESTSS. I am deeply grateful for the dedication of all country teams, the continuous support from ESTSS, and the opportunity to conduct meaningful and impactful research together.” Germany: Annett Lotzin
“The cooperation across borders and cultures over a long time was more than valuable. It was enriching and inspiring, discussing scientific issues frequently. Besides the scientific progress and success we also had a good time along this important journey, though having started pandemic conditions.Many thanks to Annett, our PI, to ESTSS for making it possible and to all the team members.” Austria: Brigitte Lueger-Schuster
“The cooperation across borders and cultures over a long time was more than valuable. It was enriching and inspiring, discussing scientific issues frequently. Besides the scientific progress and success we also had a good time along this important journey, though having started pandemic conditions.Many thanks to Annett, our PI, to ESTSS for making it possible and to all the team members.” Croatia: Dean Ajduković
“Collaborating on the ESTSS ADJUST study during COVID-19 was both a privilege and a source of strength. Together, we turned a time of global crisis into an opportunity to support others, learn, and share insights that matter.” Georgia: Jana Javakhishvili
“Across borders and cultures, across Europe, we walked a challenging scientific path together! It will take me long to get used to the fact that our thought-provoking meetings of the ADJUST team have come to an end. What began in the shadow of the COVID pandemic grew into an inspiring journey of discovery – with valuable clinical insights and policy implications for future pandemics. Our deepest gratitude to ESTSS, to our dedicated PI Annett, to every team member, and to each participant who made this study possible. I hope we will come together again for a follow-up, insightful, pan-European, trauma-focused scientific inquiry.” Greece: Hadji Charalambous
“The ADJUST study is a fantastic example of how researchers from different countries can join efforts to increase knowledge in the face of a global challenge. The strong ESTSS network helped us to rapidly form a reliable team, led by a very dedicated PI, Prof. Annett Lotzin, and supported by the ESTSS. I very much appreciate this experience, and working with the ADJUST team has been very meaningful and enjoyable.” Lithuania: Odeta Gelezelyte
“It was amazing that during such a difficult time of pandemic it was possible to organize a longitudinal study in so many European countries. This is a great merit of Annett, who motivated and supported us a lot. I learned a lot from watching how Annett and her team professionally coordinated such a large and complex project. Thank you very much for the opportunity to take part in!” Poland: Malgorzata Dragan
“The collaborative ADJUST study has been very valuable in several ways, both internationally and nationally. Thanks to the collaboration, we have not only been able to contribute to the international scientific community, but also to bring back insightful European perspectives and analyses to national stakeholders.” Sweden: Filip Arnberg
“During the ADJUST project journey it has already been remarkable, but even more so afterwards, now the COVID-pandemic has ended, has it become increasingly special what has been established. It is tremendously important to collectively learn from such a large-scale crisis. This collaboration among 11 European countries has been a true pleasure, and I hope a source of inspiration for future initiatives. Thanks to Annett who as a PI, has made this happen.” The Netherlands: Trudy Mooren
