Coping strategies in secondary traumatization and post-traumatic growth among nurses working in a medical rehabilitation hospital: a pilot study.

Objective. This study aimed to determine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on university students, categorically focusing on effective coping strategies adopted. Methods. The researcher used a descriptive cross-sectional design and a pseudo-random number sampling method with an inversion technique to randomly select 548 health science students who participated fully out of the sum of 4,140 students from each department. The initial goal was to include 572 students in the sample. This ensured a fair representation of students from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The researcher evaluated these students using the COVID-19 Student Stress Questionnaire and Brief-Cope Scales. Results. Findings showed that 58.8% of the respondents were females, 34.7% were enrolled in the nursing program, and 59.7% chose to live with their parents. Most of the students experienced moderate stress, with 45.25% and 5.47% experiencing extremely stressful or distressing situations, in terms of relationships and academic life, respectively. There were no significant differences in fear of contagion, regardless of the students' gender. and social isolation between students who lived with and without their parents. In terms of relationships and academic life among the students, there was no significant difference in relation to the demographic characteristics. Results also showed that 26.6% of the students used problem-focused coping “a little bit," and there was no significant difference as to their developmental characteristics for those using problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, or avoidant coping. However, the results indicated a greater tendency towards avoidant coping strategies, with no significant differences observed. Students disproportionately adopted problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping strategies. Students reported a weakly significant positive correlation between emotionfocused coping and problem-focused coping, and a large negative association between fear of contagion and problem-focused coping strategies. They also reported a slightly positive correlation between relationships, academic life, and social isolation. Conclusion. The study revealed that most students experience moderate stress, which gradually escalates into extremely stressful situations, particularly in relationships and academics. The researcher found no significant differences in fear of contagion or social isolation. However, avoidant coping was more prevalent compared to problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies. There were weak positive correlations between emotion-focused and problem-focused coping. Policy reform in the health and academic systems will strategically improve students' mental health.

To study coping strategies, social support and responsibility for improvement in chemical intolerance (CI). Limited knowledge of CI among health professionals and lay persons places demands on the chemically intolerant individual's coping strategies and perception of social support and ability to take responsibility for improvement. However, there is sparse literature on these issues in CI. A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, quasi-experimental study. Fifty-nine persons with mild, 92 with moderate and 31 with severe CI participated by rating (i) usage and effectiveness of six problem- and six emotion-focused coping strategies, (ii) emotional, instrumental and informative support provided by various sources and (iii) society's and the inflicted individual's responsibility for improvement. The participants reported that the most commonly used and effective coping strategies were avoiding odorous/pungent environments and asking persons to limit their use of odorous/pungent substances (problem-focused strategies) as well as accepting the situation and reprioritising (emotion-focused strategies). High intolerance severity was associated with problem-focused coping strategies and relatively low intolerance with emotion-focused strategies. More emotional than instrumental and informative support was perceived, predominantly from the partner and other family members. Responsibility attributed to society was also found to increase from mild to moderate/severe intolerance. Certain coping strategies are more commonly used and perceived as more effective than others in CI. However, intolerance severity plays a role regarding both coping strategies and responsibility. Emotional support appears to be the most available type of support. For improved care, certain coping strategies may be suggested by nurses, the healthcare system needs to provide better social support to these patients and the issue of responsibility for improvement may be discussed with the patient.

Background: The incidence of heart failure continues to rise in the United States, with more than 600,000 new cases diagnosed each year. The progressive nature of heart failure predisposes individuals to physical and psychological sequelae, including physical activity intolerance and depressive symptoms. Coping is beneficial in assisting individuals to live with heart failure. Evidence suggests that how individuals cope with heart failure may influence heart failure-related outcomes, such as psychological well-being, self-care, health-related quality of life, and mortality. Thus, a better under- standing of coping styles can assist clinicians and researchers to develop interventions that improve heart failure outcomes. Purpose: To provide a systematic review and synthesis of evidence regarding the influence of coping styles in HF. A conceptualization of coping commonly used in heart failure-related literature within the context of stress and cognitive appraisal of stress is described. In addition, this review will identify what is known about: (1) individual factors that influence coping styles in heart failure; (2) the influence of coping styles on heart failure-related outcomes; and (3) interventions that promote effective (e.g., problem-focused) coping in heart failure. Methodological issues associated with this empirical literature and implications for clinicians and research also were discussed. Methods: This article provides a systematic review of current empirical evidence regarding the influence of coping styles on heart failure-related outcomes. Results: This review of empirical literature revealed several factors that may influence coping style in individuals with HF, including co-morbidities, personality, illness knowledge and beliefs, and sense of coherence. Additionally, the use of problem-focused coping strategies was found to be related to positive HF outcomes, such as psychological well-being, enhanced self-care, and improved health-related quality of life. Whereas, the use of emotion-focused coping strategies was found to be associated with negative HF outcomes, such as psychological distress, decreased health-related quality of life, and increased HF-related mortality. Although limited, experimental work in this area suggests that problem-focused coping strategies may be beneficial in improving HF-related outcomes. Conclusions: Effective coping aids the successful management of heart failure, specifically the management of associated physical symptoms and psychological sequelae that may result. Problem-focused strategies may be more beneficial than emotion-focused strategies in assisting individuals to cope with heart failure and improve heart failure outcomes, such as psychological well-being, self-care, and health-related quality of life. Conversely, emotion-focused strategies may nega- tively influence heart failure outcomes, such as psychological distress, decreased health-related quality of life, and heart failure-related mortality. Therefore, nurses should include problem-focused coping strategies in patient and family education. Research on the effectiveness of problem-focused strategies is sparse, thus more experimental studies, particularly longitudinal designs, is warranted to determine the efficacy of problem-focused interventions throughout the progression of heart failure.

Recent research has shown a link between self-compassion, posttraumatic growth (PTG), and emotion-focused coping strategies (i.e., positive reframing and acceptance). Studies have also found evidence for the use of problem-focused strategies (i.e., active coping, planning, and instrumental support) as mediators between self-compassion and stress, and the use of these strategies has been found to predict PTG. However, no studies have directly examined the relationship between self-compassion, PTG, and the use of problem-focused coping strategies. This study investigated the association between self-compassion, emotion- and problem-focused coping, and PTG in trauma survivors. Participants were 111 emerging adults aged 18 to 29, from Canada and the United States, who completed an online survey that included measures of coping, PTG, and self-compassion. Self-compassion and PTG were both correlated with three coping styles, active coping, instrumental support, and positive reframing. All three coping styles predicted PTG over and above self-compassion and played multiple mediating roles between self-compassion and PTG, with no differences between the three coping styles in their mediating effects. These findings indicate that problem-focused coping strategies are also influential in mediating the development of PTG from self-compassion. Self-compassion reduces one's tendency to overidentify with negative emotions through positive reframing. The use of active coping and instrumental support also allows individuals to feel more capable in dealing with their traumatic events. Incorporating problem-focused self-compassion-based practices in cognitive behavioral and exposure-based therapies may offer additional benefits by reducing self-criticism to better promote active recovery from traumatic events. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Background and aims: Post-traumatic growth refers to the positive psychological changes experienced after an incident. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is seen as a traumatic incident that impacts many aspects of a person's life. The present study aimed to investigate the association between perceived social support and mental health with the post-traumatic growth model through the mediating role of coping strategies in COVID-19 recovered patients. Methods: This study was conducted using a path analysis method from the correlation matrix. The research population included all COVID-19 recovered patients in Golestan Province. Using the convenience sampling method, 300 patients who recovered from COVID-19 were selected. The research instruments included the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, the General Health Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. The data was analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS and AMOS software version 25. Results: The findings revealed that the suggested model fit the data. The relationship between post-traumatic growth, perceived social support, and mental health with problem-focused coping strategies were positive and significant (P<0.01). The relations between mental health and perceived social support with post-traumatic growth were positive and significant. Post-traumatic growth and perceived social support had a negative and significant relationship with emotion-focused strategies (P<0.01). Furthermore, the relationship between mental health and emotion-focused strategies was not significant. Conclusion: Mental health, perceived social support, and problem-focused strategies play an essential role in COVID-19 patients' post-traumatic growth. As a result, they might be helpful in minimizing the psychological impact of COVID-19.

No study to date has evaluated the relationship between coping style, burnout, and psychological functioning among gastroenterologists (GEs). This study aims to explore this relationship. Physician stress and burnout are widely studied and associated with notably poorer outcomes for both physicians and their patients. Coping is a multidimensional construct that individuals use to adapt to stressful situations. To mitigate stress, physicians may use problem-focused or emotion-focused coping strategies. Four hundred ten GE fellows and attending physicians provided information about their practice, coping styles, level of burnout, psychological distress, job-related self-efficacy, and demographic background. Participants recruited from the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy membership through email completed a series of online questionnaires. We found no significant relationships between workload and reported burnout. GEs with greater psychological distress were more likely to have an endoscopic complication in the past year. GEs that use problem-focused coping strategies were less likely to report an event in the past year, although we did not identify a significant predictive relationship between these variables. Significant differences in coping styles existed for sex and having a physician parent. Female GEs were more likely to use problem-focused coping strategies, and GEs with a physician parent were more likely to use emotion-focused strategies. Using problem-focused coping predicted decreased levels of burnout and psychological distress, and increased job-related self-efficacy. Emotion-focused coping showed opposite predictive results. Coping strategies accounted for 3% to 19% of the variance in these outcomes. GEs use both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. Sex and having a physician parent are likely predictors of coping and psychological well-being. Problem-focused coping is a potentially more adaptive coping strategy in gastroenterology practice and may explain lower levels of reported burnout, distress, and increased job-related self-efficacy.

BackgroundYouth in conflict and post-conflict settings are exposed to a variety of potentially-traumatic events that impact their mental health and well-being. The purposes of this study were to examine coping strategies among conflict-affected youth exposed to potentially-traumatic events and the relationship to psychological symptoms and well-being in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).MethodsA total of 434 male and female youth (ages 10–15 years) completed data collection with a trained Congolese interviewer. The survey instrument included measures of exposure to potentially traumatic events, an adapted coping strategies checklist, and measures of psychosocial distress and well-being. Exploratory factor analyses was used to identify coping strategies and Hierarchical regression was used to assess how coping strategies were associated with psychological symptoms including internalizing and externalizing problems and well-being outcomes including prosocial behavior and self-esteem.ResultsExploratory Factor analysis suggested four coping strategies; problem-focused, emotion-focused, avoidance and faith-based strategies. Problem-focused coping strategies were associated with greater internalizing and externalizing problems and lower prosocial behavior in both boys and girls. However, when problem-focused strategies were used with emotion-focused coping strategies, the result was fewer internalizing problems in girls and fewer externalizing problems in boys and girls. Emotion-focused, avoidance and faith based strategies were associated with better self-esteem.ConclusionThese results suggest a complex relationship between coping strategies, psychological symptoms and well-being and contradict evidence that problem-focused strategies benefit mental health while emotion-focused strategies harm mental health, particularly in conflict and post-conflict settings. The results suggest coping flexibility, or use of multiple coping strategies may be particularly useful to improving mental health and well-being. The need for context specific understandings of coping strategies in conflict-affected populations is highlighted by the results of the study.

Studies have indicated that trauma exposure is a common factor in posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSSs) and posttraumatic growth (PTG), but it is unclear whether PTSSs and PTG share a common underlying mechanism related to trauma exposure. To explore this issue, this study examined the mediating role of feelings of safety, hope, and coping strategies between trauma exposure and both PTSSs and PTG to elucidate differences in their underlying mechanisms. One year following the Jiuzhaigou earthquake in Sichuan province, China, 620 adolescents were selected to answer self-report questionnaires, and a structural equation model was used to test the hypotheses. Trauma exposure was positively associated with PTSSs by two 1-step indirect paths of feelings of safety and emotion-focused coping strategies, and by two 2-step indirect paths of feelings of safety to both hope and emotion-focused coping strategies. Trauma exposure was positively associated with PTG by a 1-step indirect path of problem-focused coping strategies but negatively associated with PTG by two 2-step indirect paths of feelings of safety to both hope and problem-focused coping strategies, and by one 3-step indirect path of feelings of safety to hope to problem-focused coping strategies. Trauma exposure is common to PTSSs and PTG but affects these differently via feelings of safety, feelings of hope, and coping strategies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

The purpose of the present study was to identify the protective and risk factors related to psychological distress during COVID-19 in an Israeli sample. An online survey was administered from April 19 to May 2, 2020, while a strict lockdown was in place. Participants were recruited by snowball sampling. Psychological distress was evaluated using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD-7) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Risk and protective factors for psychological distress were assessed on the Multi-dimensional Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the coping strategies (COPE), the Life Orientation Test (LOT), and the Gratitude questionnaire. Out of the 655 valid questionnaires collected (from participants ranging in age from 18 to 86, 246 males, 409 females), 138 (21.3%) were positive for moderate to very severe depression and 87 (13.2%) for moderate to extremely severe anxiety. Participants who were screened for depression and anxiety were more likely to be women and young adults (18–24). After adjusting statistically for gender, age, and socioeconomic status, depression and anxiety remained significantly associated with both emotion-focused (PHQ-β =.437, p < .001, GAD-β=.441, p < .001) and problem-focused (PHQ-β =−.219, p < .001, GAD-β=−.143, p < .001) coping strategies, as well as on the social support (PHQ-β =−.167, p < .001, GAD-β=−.155, p < .001), life orientation (GAD-β=−.09, p < .001), and gratitude scales (PHQ-β =−.07, p < .001). Levels of anxiety and depression were generally associated with gender (women), age (younger population), socioeconomic status (low), and an emotion-focused strategy as risk factors. A problem-focused strategy, social support, life orientation, and gratitude served as protective factors above and beyond personal background.

Background: A coping strategy is an individual's effort to reduce demands or stress. Lecturers at Sangga Buana University utilize various coping strategies. This study aims to measure and describe coping strategies based on two dimensions and eight types outlined by Lazarus &amp; Folkman, namely problem-focused strategies and emotion-focused strategies. Methods: This study employs a mixed-method approach with a concurrent nested design and identical sampling. The qualitative approach explores in depth the coping strategy selection process among two female lecturers with maternal status, based on statistical measurements using Lazarus &amp; Folkman’s (1984) instrument from the quantitative phase. Qualitative data analysis includes transcription, classification, and drawing conclusions. Results:The findings present quantitative data in tabular form and describe the coping strategies used by the research subjects. Both subjects applied strategies from both coping dimensions but in different forms. These coping strategies could either facilitate or hinder each other in the coping process. Conclusion: The study reveals that lecturers who are also mothers at Sangga Buana University employ both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies to manage stress. These strategies influence their social functioning and role performance. The subjects adaptively utilize all coping dimensions, adjusting to environmental demands and available resources, with the aim of restoring balance and mitigating psychological and environmental stressors.

To determine the level of post-traumatic growth (PTG) and its association with coping strategies among individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of MDD who had received treatment for at least 1 year (to ensure adequate time for the development of PTG) and could understand Bahasa Malaysia were invited to participate. Lifetime exposure to potentially traumatic events was assessed using the Malay version of the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5. Coping strategies were assessed in three domains (problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and avoidant coping) using the Malay version of the 28-item Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced. PTG was assessed in five domains (new possibilities, relating to others, personal strength, spiritual change, and appreciation of life) using the Malay version of the 10-item Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGI-SF). In total, 122 patients with MDD (mean age, 35.5 years) were included in the analysis. On average, participants reported lifetime exposure to 7.08 traumatic events. The mean PTGI-SF score was 32.65, indicating a moderate level of PTG. The PTGI-SF score was positively correlated with the problem-focused coping strategies of active coping, planning, and instrumental support, as well as the emotion-focused coping strategies of positive reframing, acceptance, religious coping, emotional support, and venting. In contrast, all avoidant coping strategies showed no significant correlations with the PTGI-SF score, except for behavioural disengagement and self-blame. In the final model of hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis, problem-focused coping (β = 0.341, p = 0.002), emotion-focused coping (β = 0.234, p = 0.037), and age (β = 0.218, p = 0.005) remained significantly associated with PTG, explaining 36.6% of the variance. Trauma exposure, psychotherapy, and avoidant coping were no longer associated with PTG after adjustment for covariates. Among patients with MDD, PTG reflects adaptive cognitive and emotional processing rather than the absence of symptoms. Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies were associated with higher levels of PTG.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between SOC, coping strategies, and caregiver burden, and analyze the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between SOC and caregiver burden. A cross-sectional study was carried out, involving 230 informal caregivers of people with dementia in Shanghai, China. The data collection period is May 21, 2024, to December 31, 2024. This study involved participants who filled out various questionnaires, encompassing demographic data, Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC-13), Brief COPE inventory, and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Adoption of SPSS 27.0 for statistical analysis and Hayes' PROCESS (Model 4), and the mediating effect was validated by the bias-corrected nonparametric percentile bootstrap method. The caregiver burden was found at a moderate to severe level with the average score of 58.14(12.84). There was a negative correlation between SOC and caregiver burden (r = -0.655, P<0.05), a positive correlation between SOC and emotion-focused coping strategies (r = 0.397, P<0.05), and a negative correlation between SOC and dysfunctional coping strategies (r = -0.513, P<0.05). However, there was no significant correlation between SOC and problem-focused coping strategies. The relationship between SOC and caregiver burden was partially mediated by emotion-focused strategies and dysfunctional coping strategies. Significant relationship was found that SOC correlated with caregiver burden; To some extent, emotion-focused and dysfunctional coping strategies moderated the relationship between SOC and caregiver burden. Future interventions could focus on adapting and optimizing the coping behaviors of informal caregivers, using mediating mechanisms as entry points, with the aim of achieving more precise and effective care support.

Ageing is a time of change that might involve financial, health and social losses. To maintain well-being, older people need to engage a range of resources to cope with these losses. However, national policies mainly focus on financial resources. This study used Folkman and Lazarus's transactional theory to identify coping methods engaged by older adults living in three rural communities. A qualitative research design was undertaken using an ethnographic case study approach. Three rural communities within northern Australia. Older Australians aged 65 or over, living in their own homes. Exploration of techniques that older adults use to cope with ageing (including both problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies). People in rural areas planned their ageing journey using both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies, to deal with the uncertainties of ageing. When participants could control the event, problem-focused coping strategies were mainly such as used seeking social support and planful problem-solving. Conversely, emotion-focused strategies were used to deal with uncertainty and emotive issues such as health decline, and the possibility of needing future care. There is a need for health community workers to encourage older people to consider initiating a discussion of future care needs with their social network. This is of particular importance in rural areas, which have larger numbers of older residents and limited resources to support ageing in place.

Background and Aim: Resilience and coping strategies are essential for Chinese university students navigating academic pressures and personal challenges. This study aims to explore how family-school partnerships can foster resilience through problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing effective interventions to support student mental health. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study employed in-depth interviews and thematic analysis to gather data from 30 Chinese university students across diverse regions. Participants were selected through purposive sampling to ensure representation of varying socioeconomic backgrounds and academic levels. The interviews focused on students' experiences with family-school interactions, coping mechanisms, and perceived barriers to mental health support. Results: The findings revealed that cultural values such as filial piety and mental health stigma significantly influence students' coping behaviors. Regional disparities in resource availability further complicate access to mental health services. Problem-focused coping strategies were more prevalent among students with strong family-school support, while emotion-focused strategies were common in environments with higher stigma and fewer resources. Conclusion: Enhancing family-school partnerships is vital for improving resilience and coping strategies among Chinese university students. Recommendations include increasing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and addressing regional disparities in resource allocation. Future research should explore the long-term impact of these interventions on student well-being.

Background &amp; Aims: Posttraumatic growth (PTG) refers to positive changes resulting from trauma. As a traumatic stressor, COVID-19 can affect various aspects of one’s life. The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of coping strategies and defense mechanisms in the relationship of PTG and mental health, resilience, and perceived social support in COVID-19 survivors. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using a path analysis method from the correlation matrix. The research population included all COVID-19 recovered patients in Golestan province, Iran. Using the convenience sampling method, 300 patients who recovered from COVID-19 were selected. The participants were given questionnaires online. The research instruments included the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ), and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WOC). The data were analyzed through structural equation modeling (SEM) using SPSS and AMOS version 25. Results: The findings of SEM revealed that the model fits the data. The relationship between problem-focused coping strategies and PTG, mental health, and perceived social support, the relationship between PTG and perceived social support, resilience, and mental health, and the relationship between mature defense mechanisms and PTG, mental health, resilience, and perceived social support were positive and significant (P&lt;0.01). The relationship between emotion-focused strategies and PTG, resilience, and perceived social support, the relationship between neurotic defense mechanisms and mental health, resilience, PTG, and perceived social support, and the relationship between immature defense mechanisms and mental health, resilience, and PTG were negative and significant (P&lt;0.01). Furthermore, the direct path analysis revealed that the relationships between mental health and emotion-focused strategies and between perceived social support and immature defense mechanisms were not significant. Conclusion: The study results suggested that mental health, resilience, perceived social support, as well as problem-focused coping strategies played a crucial role in increasing PTG in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, they can be utilized to reduce the mental damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.