Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals face increased psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it’s unknown whether choice of coping styles are influenced by COVID-19 in addition to known predictors.MethodsData from 26,016 UK adults in the UCL COVID-19 Social Study were analysed from 12/4/2020 15/5/2020. Regression models were used to identify predictors of coping styles (problem-focused, emotion-focused, avoidant, and socially-supported): model 1 included sociodemographic variables, model 2 additionally included psychosocial factors, and model 3 further included experience of COVID-19 specific adverse worries or events.ResultsSociodemographic and psychosocial predictors of coping align with usual predictors of coping styles not occurring during a pandemic. However, even when controlling for the wide range of these previously known predictors specific adversities were associated with use of specific strategies. Experience of worries about finances, basic needs, and events related to Covid-19 were associated with a range of strategies, while experience of financial adversities was associated with problem-focused, emotion-focused and avoidant coping. There were no associations between coping styles and experiencing challenges in meeting basic needs, but Covid-19 related adversities were associated with a lower use of socially-supported coping.ConclusionsThis paper demonstrates that there are not only demographic and social predictors of coping styles during the COVID-19 pandemic, but specific adversities are related to the ways that adults cope. Furthermore, this study identifies groups at risk of more avoidant coping mechanisms which may be targeted for supportive interventions.
Highlights
Individuals face increased psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic
Experience of worries about finances, basic needs, and events related to Covid-19 were associated with a range of strategies, while experience of financial adversities was associated with problemfocused, emotion-focused and avoidant coping
There were no associations between coping styles and experiencing challenges in meeting basic needs, but Covid-19 related adversities were associated with a lower use of socially-supported coping
Summary
Individuals face increased psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. it’s unknown whether choice of coping styles are influenced by COVID-19 in addition to known predictors. Recent research has highlighted substantial increases in mental illness and loneliness during the COVID19 pandemic [2, 3] Whilst some of these experiences reflect those reported during previous pandemics [4], Fluharty and Fancourt BMC Psychol (2021) 9:107. As a large proportion of the global population has experienced some form of psychological distress during the pandemic, there have been calls for more research exploring factors that help to buffer against or exacerbate experiences [6]. This is important given there are projected long-lasting effects of the COVID19 pandemic alongside limited mental health resources available [7]. Understanding coping strategies could help to identify the social and personal resources required by individuals to mitigate psychological stress as COVID-19 continues, and in future pandemics
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