Perceived stress and occupation-based coping strategies during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused considerable stress. Occupations may play an important role in decreasing stress; therefore, this study examined stress and occupation-based coping strategies used during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Methods: Data were analyzed from a Canadian cross-sectional survey that included retrospective and current measures of stress, and an open-ended question regarding how participants coped during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Text responses were categorized using Skinner’s stress and coping framework, and the Do-Live-Well framework; and examined the association between activating the body, mind, and senses-type occupations and stress, controlling for pre-pandemic stress and other potential confounders. Results: The 1,473 participants were primarily women (74.7%). All participants identified at least one occupation-based strategy that was categorized as ‘distraction’ in Skinner’s framework. When further classified using the Do-Live-Well framework, most occupation-based strategies related to activating the body, mind, and senses (64.3%). Bivariate/correlational analyses demonstrated relationships between stress and pre-pandemic stress (τ=0.65); annual income less than 30,000 CAD (τ=0.10); being employed (τ=0.11); postsecondary education (τ=0.09); and having a minor child at home (τ=0.11). No association was found when the relationship between stress and activating the body, mind, and senses was tested in a multivariate model containing these potential confounders. The most robust model contained only pre-pandemic stress. Conclusion: Occupation-based strategies were frequently used for coping during the first wave of the pandemic. Further examination of the effectiveness of these strategies, using appropriate frameworks and methods, is warranted.