51.4 COPING WITH COVID-19: AVOIDANT COPING MECHANISMS AND SLEEP DISTURBANCE IN COLLEGE-AGE INDIVIDUALS

Abstract

The unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to experiences of overwhelming stress and uncertainty. The psychological effects of the pandemic include increased mental health difficulties and sleep disruption across all age groups, including in emerging adults. Avoidant coping (ie, changing behavior to avoid exposure to a stressor) is a maladaptive coping strategy commonly employed in times of stress. Research has indicated that avoidant coping can lead to increased stress and other negative outcomes such as disruptions in sleep. The current study investigated the hypothesis that avoidant coping is a mediator in the relationship between the perceived impact of COVID-19 and sleep difficulties. A sample of individuals aged 18 to 25 years (n = 326, 79.0% female) completed self-reported measures examining demographics, sleep, coping mechanisms, and perceived COVID-19 impact. Participants for this IRB-approved study were recruited using online flyers. A regression analysis determined that the overall model was significant (F2,323 = 25.17; p < 0.001; R2 = 0.13), accounting for 13% of the variance. The path between COVID-19 impact and avoidant coping was significant (b = 0.627; p < 0.001), indicating that higher levels of COVID-19 impact was associated with more avoidant coping. Furthermore, the path from avoidant coping to sleep disturbance was significant (b = 0.335; p < 0.001), with more use of avoidant coping being associated with increased sleep disturbance. The path from COVID-19 impact to sleep difficulties remained significant when avoidant coping was added as a mediator (b = 0.772; p < 0.001), indicating partial mediation. Overall, results indicated that avoidant coping partially mediates the relationship between COVID-19 impact and sleep disturbance. This study highlights the importance of developing and disseminating interventions that target the use of effective coping mechanisms in emerging adults.