Understanding Coping Strategies Adults Adopted to Survive During COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Understanding the coping strategies adopted during the COVID-19 and post Covid-19 pandemic is one way to understand the critical impact that COVID-19 poses on adults. AIM: Therefore, the aim of this study is to understand the coping strategies adults adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic and post Covid era in the Alimosho Local Government area of Lagos State. METHODS: The study used a quantitative method. A total of 250 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, out of which 218 copies were retrieved. RESULTS: The result shows (53.3%) respondents tried to avoid thinking and problem solving during COVID-19. About 51% of respondents were able to connect with family and friends through social media during COVID-19. In the same manner, 47.3% of respondents were able to control their exposure to news during and after COVID-19. About 66.5% of respondents tried to adapt to the new normal during and after the COVID-19 pandemic; 59.7% of respondents tried to avoid over-crowded places during and after the pandemic; 62.4% of respondents also tried doing new things during COVID-19; and 62.4% of respondents followed still safety guidelines during and even after COVID-19. However, doing what I love and living a positive lifestyle during COVID-19 were all considered as predominant coping strategies used. The result shows the relationship between reality of COVID-19 and nothing to look forward to was examined using the Chi-square and cross-tabulation. There is a significant positive relationship between the variables. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that coping strategies are very important strategies to adopt in in some similar situation. There is a need to understand the relationship between social and psychological skills that people use to manage and endure trauma. The coping mechanisms were used by adults that kept them alive and safe from COVID-19 trauma. Emotionally oriented and seeking to solve a problem or modify the status quo, adults seek to alleviate emotional pain caused by stressful events by sharing feelings through activities. The study recommends that there is a need to keep the mind at rest and stress free from any anxiety and trouble. People should do more of their hobbies, learn a new skill or take an online professional course.