When life changes: use and effects of behavioral coping strategies among relatives of people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic posed risks to the wellbeing of different groups in society. This study focuses on relatives of people with intellectual disabilities in the Netherlands. Their behavioral coping strategies, effects on psychological quality of life (QoL), and differences according to age, family relationship, and severity of disability were investigated. Methods Survey data of 284 relatives were analyzed. Differences in utilization of coping strategies were analyzed using a multivariate test of the means and paired t-tests. Variations according to background characteristics were analyzed using MANOVAs and multivariate regressions. Relations between coping and QoL – and differences according to characteristics – were analyzed using multiple and linear regressions. Results Seeking distraction and actively approaching were used most, followed by seeking social support and ignoring. Withdrawal was adopted the least. Seeking distraction and actively approaching were positively associated with QoL. Seeking social support and withdrawal were negative predictors. These associations were unaffected by relatives’ characteristics, while use of coping differed according to age and family relationship. Mothers made least use of adaptive coping. Conclusions Although relatives used more adaptive than maladaptive coping strategies, it is essential to offer interventions on effective coping and improving social support during life events to protect their QoL.