Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic represents an accidental crisis of global proportions that requires humanity to adaptively cope with unknown and low-control stressors. This research aimed to explore coping mechanisms by first considering them in the domain of their factor structure and then examining their mediating role in the relationship between stress perception and precautionary measures in the context of a pandemic. The sample included a total of 582 adult respondents from Serbia (75.7% female), with an average age of 38.74 years (SD = 10.48). The Brief COPE (Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced) scale was used to measure coping mechanisms, the Perceived Stress Scale was used to assess the perception of the stress level, and the propensity to adhere to the prescribed precautions was examined with a scale constructed for the purpose of this study. The exploratory factor analysis extracted seven coping strategies. The first corresponded to problem-focused confrontation, the second referred to emotion-focused confrontation, three isolated dimensions were associated with avoidance coping strategies, while the functions of Humor and Religion could not be clearly defined. After conducting a higher-order factor analysis, two factors were singled out: the first, which combined problem-focused and emotion-focused coping, Humor, and Religion, and the second, which brought together mechanisms aimed at avoidance coping. The results of the hierarchical regression analysis suggested significant partial mediating effects of coping mechanisms. The first higher-order factor enhanced the effects of stress perception on the practice of precautionary behavior, while the second higher-order factor reduced these effects. The obtained results raise the question of adequacy of the standard coping mechanism measuring instruments in the assessment of stress caused by an accidental crisis and further question the possibility of an adequate response to stressors that are unknown and poorly controllable.
Highlights
Since the beginning of humanity, people have been striving to meet numerous goals set by various life challenges and struggling with attempts to adaptively overcome a diverse array of stressors
Given the fact that the Brief COPE has a reputation as an instrument with a highly unstable factor structure, the procedure of exploratory factor analysis was applied before conducting the main statistical analyses
Knowing that the factor structure of this measuring instrument depends on the reference framework in relation to which the assessment of coping mechanisms is performed (Krägeloh, 2011), it seemed reasonable to determine which dimensions of coping stand out in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic
Summary
Since the beginning of humanity, people have been striving to meet numerous goals set by various life challenges and struggling with attempts to adaptively overcome a diverse array of stressors. This almost axiomatic claim is seldom as true and ubiquitous as in global crisis situations, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This months-long crisis period is marked by traumatic experiences affecting individuals, families, and entire communities around the planet, and it is characterized by a further increased stress potential. Related but partially distinct psychological phenomena of stress, crisis, and trauma are present in the lives of the vast majority of people (Ajduković, 2000).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
