Disengagement Coping Strategies Research Articles

Stress Exposures Contribute to Worse Joint Morning and Evening Fatigue Profiles in Patients With Cancer During Chemotherapy.

To evaluate differences among stress, resilience, and coping strategies related to morning and evening fatigue profiles (both low, low morning and moderate evening, both moderate, and both high). Data were collected from 1,334 adult patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. Morning and evening fatigue severity were rated over two cycles of chemotherapy using the Lee Fatigue Scale. Latent profile analysis was used to identify patient subgroups with distinct joint morning and evening profiles. Data were collected on global, cancer-specific, and cumulative life stress; resilience; and coping strategies. Differences among the latent classes were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests. Compared to the other three classes, the both high class reported the highest stress scores, highest occurrence of and effects from a variety of stressful life events, lowest resilience scores, and higher use of disengagement coping strategies. The both high class met the criteria for subsyndromal post-traumatic stress disorder. When patients report high levels of fatigue, detailed assessments of stress are warranted to provide tailored interventions.

Assessing the Quality of Life, Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Depression Levels in Patients with Long-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study.

This longitudinal study investigates the psychosocial effects of long-COVID Syndrome, a domain still not extensively researched. It specifically evaluates the quality of life, coping mechanisms, anxiety and depression levels in COVID-19 survivors, differentiating between those with and without long-COVID Syndrome. Conducted at the Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology in Timisoara, Romania, the study utilized a cohort of patients diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19. The following standardized tools: WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, COPE-60 for coping strategies, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were employed for the assessment. The sample consisted of 86 patients displaying persistent post-acute symptoms and 432 asymptomatic patients at the 6-month post-discharge mark. Patients with frequent post-acute symptoms reported significantly higher levels of fatigue (8.2 ± 1.4), cognitive difficulties (7.5 ± 1.6), and respiratory challenges (7.8 ± 1.3), along with a markedly lower overall quality of life (7.0 ± 1.5) compared to their asymptomatic counterparts. HADS scores revealed elevated depression (6.8 ± 1.9) and anxiety (7.1 ± 2.3) in the symptomatic group. Quality of life, as evaluated through the use of WHOQOL-BREF, showed lower scores in the symptomatic cohort across physical (58.8 ± 15.8), mental (56.3 ± 16.4), and social domains (50.2 ± 17.5). COPE-60 findings indicated a higher prevalence of disengagement (56.4%) and emotion-focused coping strategies (61.8%) in the symptomatic group, in contrast to 30.1% and 37.0%, respectively, in the asymptomatic group. The study highlights that long-COVID Syndrome significantly deteriorates the quality of life and is associated with increased depression and anxiety levels. The prevalent use of disengagement and emotion-focused coping strategies among patients with persistent symptoms suggests a need for enhanced psychosocial support tailored to this subgroup.

Coping Strategies and Their Effects on Quality Of Life of Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the coping strategies employed by individuals diagnosed with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects of these strategies on their quality of life. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive and cross-sectional study analysed 131 patients from June 1 to July 1, 2021, through the social media networks of several cancer-related associations. Personal information form, coping strategies form and Duke Health Profile were used to collect data via Google forms. Results: The participants employed the strategies of spiritual beliefs (94.7%), social/emotional support (92.4%) and positive reframing (91.6%) most among all coping strategies. The Duke Health Profile (general health) score of the participants was 57.43 ± 16.20. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that social/emotional support, hobbies, substance use, and behavioural disengagement coping strategies were effective on the general health score (p < 0.05). Conclusion: As a result, most of the patients use many coping strategies, and the coping strategies used seem to be effective in their quality of life. For this reason, oncology nurses should include practices to strengthen coping strategies in patient care.

Self-reported general health/psychological status of Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic

Abstract 533 490 refugees from Ukraine received ‘temporary protection’ from the Czech government. The data for the cross-sectional study (919 females) were obtained via an online survey which recorded self-reported physical health and psychological status, specific aspects of mental health, coping strategies and demographic characteristics. The average age of participants was about 38 years old and more than 70% had children. Most respondents have a university education (71%), came from cities and towns (88.7 %), and had employment in Ukraine (73.8 %). As regards, self-reported health, 43% of females reported their general health as good, 46.8% as fair, and 10.2% as bad and very bad. In addition, 27.9% reported that their health has worsened during the last month and 4.5% that their health had worsened or that they had sustained injury due to the war. Also, 52.7% self-reported their psychological status as fair, 26% as bad, and 7.7% as having very bad status. Preliminary results showed that refugees more often used problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies and less avoidant coping strategies. Ineffective coping strategies of self-blame and behavioural disengagement were associated with poorly reported physical health/psychological status. Effective coping strategies were positively associated with better-reported psychological status. The majority of Ukrainian female refugees (75.2%) have a moderate level of perceived stress, and 20.3% have a high level. Total stress score was moderately positively correlated with the avoidant coping strategy (r = .48), so the higher the perceived stress the higher the possibility for respondents to employ avoidant coping strategy. Moreover, there were strong positive correlations between perceived stress and self-reported emotional and psychological status (r = .61) and positive correlations with self-reported physical health (r = .29). The higher level of perceived stress related to the worst self-reported physical and mental health. Key messages • The research outcomes could be used in the social policy of the Czech government to help Ukrainian female refugees to better adapt to the country and avoid worsening physical and mental health status. • Social policies can reduce the negative physical and mental health outcomes associated with refugees’ resettlement.

Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Disengagement Coping: Associations with Emotions of Youth At-Risk for Huntington's Disease.

Families in which a parent has Huntington's disease (HD) are faced with significant stressors that can contribute to difficulties in communicating together about illness-related concerns. Family members who use more disengagement coping strategies, including denial and avoidance, to deal with illness-related stressors may have the greatest challenges to effective communication. The current study examined the associations of intrapersonal and interpersonal disengagement coping responses with observed and reported emotions of adolescents and young adults (AYA) at genetic risk for HD. Families included 42 AYA (n = 26 females) ages 10 to 34 (M = 19 years, 11 months; SD = 7 years, 6 months) and their parent with HD (n = 22 females, M age = 46 years, 10 months; SD = 9 years, 2 months). Dyads participated in observations of communication and completed questionnaires about disengagement coping and internalizing symptoms. Disengagement coping of AYA was unrelated to their observed and reported emotional difficulties (intrapersonal coping). However, there was evidence for the importance of interpersonal disengagement coping, as AYA's negative affect was observed and reported to be highest when both AYA and their parents reported using high levels of avoidance, denial, and wishful thinking to cope with HD-related stress. The findings underscore the importance of a family-oriented approach to coping and communication in families affected by HD.

Stress and well-being in autistic adults: Exploring the moderating role of coping.

The wider stress literature points to negative associations between stress and well-being. Similarly, the use of engagement coping strategies and disengagement coping strategies in the face of stress are related to improved and reduced well-being respectively. However, in the autistic population stress and coping research is limited to date, and the extent to which coping may moderate the relationship between stress and well-being is not known. Using data from an Australian online study, we explored the potential moderating (i.e. buffering or exacerbating) role of coping in the relationship between stress and well-being in a sample of autistic adults (N = 86). Our findings indicated that increased stress was associated with lower well-being. Further, moderation analyses showed that while both engagement coping (e.g. problem solving, positive appraisal) and disengagement coping (e.g., self-distraction, being in denial) strategies had significant positive and negative direct effects on well-being respectively; engagement coping also moderated the relationship between stress and well-being, buffering the impact of stress on well-being. Our results illustrate the different underlying mechanisms by which coping strategies may be associated with stress and well-being. They also highlight the potential protective role of engagement coping strategies, which can be incorporated into the promotion and maintenance of well-being in autistic adults.

Weight stigma from romantic partners: Its relations with maladaptive and adaptive coping and depressive symptoms.

Social devaluation of being overweight is common in daily life, but little is known about the weight stigma in romantic relationships. The present study investigated the roles of maladaptive and adaptive coping strategies in the relation between the experience of weight stigma in romantic relationships and depressive symptoms in men and women, respectively. Analyses of gender differences and structural equation modeling yielded several findings. First, while men and women experienced similar levels of weight stigma from their romantic partners, women were more likely to use exercise avoidance, disengagement coping, and reappraisal coping strategies, and to exhibit more depressive symptoms than men. Second, men who experienced weight stigma tended to cope with it through exercise avoidance and disengagement coping, which were related to greater depressive symptoms. Men also coped with weight stigma adaptively via reappraisal coping, which was additionally associated with more positive affect. Third, the relation between the experience of weight stigma and depressive symptoms in women was only explained by using disengagement coping. These findings extend the understanding of weight stigma to a specific context and provide some insight that future interventions to reduce the impacts of weight stigma should be tailored accordingly for men and women.

Coping strategies and psychosocial resources among women living with metastatic breast cancer: A qualitative study

Objective: Despite more women living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), this population is underrepresented in cancer survivorship research. Few studies have assessed how women with MBC cope with their cancer experience. This qualitative study describes the coping strategies and psychosocial resources utilized by women living with MBC. Methods: Twenty-two women with MBC participated in four focus groups. Transcripts were analyzed using a general inductive approach. Codes derived from participants’ responses were subsequently condensed into themes. Results: We identified 12 coping strategies and psychosocial resources and grouped them into five themes: Behavioral Coping Strategies (i.e. stress management, active coping and planning); Cognitive Coping Strategies and Psychological Resources (i.e. cognitive reappraisal, optimism, mindfulness, positive thinking, and religious coping); Existential Approach-Oriented Coping (i.e. acceptance, values-based living, and identity integration); Avoidance (i.e. avoidant coping); and Interpersonal Resources and Seeking Social Support (i.e. social support). Conclusions: Women living with MBC utilize several engagement and disengagement coping strategies, as well as intrapersonal and interpersonal resources. This study provides useful perspectives of women living with MBC that may inform the development of psychosocial interventions. Further research is needed to assess coping strategies and psychosocial resources across different subgroups of MBC patients and determine their impact on cancer outcomes.

Duty-related stressors, adjustment, and the role of coping processes in first responders: A systematic review.

A core challenge in working with first responders worldwide (e.g., firefighters, emergency service personnel, police officers) is identifying theoretically and empirically based individual-level factors that are associated with adjustment and that can be translated to interventions. The transactional model of stress and coping provides an excellent framework to guide interventions with first responders, yet no review to date has explicitly and comprehensively focused on coping responses in this population. The current study systematically evaluated global evidence linking primary appraisals and coping efforts to mental health and behavioral risk-taking in first responders, with an eye toward their application to interventions. Seventeen studies from eight countries met review criteria and were summarized. Studies of coping efforts predominated; only two studies assessed primary appraisals. Overall, disengaged coping efforts, relative to engaged coping, were more often associated with adjustment. Further, for engaged coping, associations with adjustment largely were present for cognitive, versus behavioral, strategies; for disengaged coping, cognitive and behavioral strategies were associated equally with poorer adjustment. Two thirds of the studies assessed posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. Given the nature of PTS, use of disengaged strategies may particularly exacerbate these symptoms relative to other adjustment outcomes. Additional research focused on both primary appraisals and coping efforts and that employs longitudinal designs would expand our understanding of the role of coping processes in first responders' adjustment to duty-related stress. Further, these data suggest that interventions targeting individuals (vs. systems or environments) should focus on replacing cognitive and behavioral disengaged coping strategies with engaged strategies that are cognitive in nature. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

“Do Your Best to Avoid it”: Appraisals and Coping with Discrimination-Related Stress Among Older Chinese Immigrants in Affordable Senior Housings During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT This study investigated how older Chinese immigrants in affordable senior housing facilities (ASHs) appraise and cope with anti-Asian discrimination and related stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 26 participants aged over 65, analyzing verbatim transcripts and field notes using thematic analysis. Four major domains were identified: (1) discriminatory experience, (2) appraisals of discrimination stress, (3) coping strategies, and (4) rationales behind coping. Among the participants, 11 (42%) reported experiencing discrimination either personally or by someone they know. Participants’ appraisals of discrimination stress varied, and most of them opted for disengagement coping strategies (e.g., avoidance, rationalization) attributing them to health concerns, individual characteristics, environmental and societal factors, and low acculturation. The findings suggest the need for more social and community resources to enhance coping capacity and resilience in this vulnerable population.

640-P: Coping Strategies, Quality of Life, and Glycemic Control among Adolescents with Diabetes Distress

Objective: Up to half of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience diabetes distress (DD) which has been associated with lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and suboptimal glycemic control. The ways in which adolescents respond to DD may serve as a risk or protective factor for these outcomes, but few studies have examined the coping strategies adolescents use to manage DD. Methods: Participants included 198 adolescents with elevated DD who completed baseline data for a randomized controlled trial (Mage 15.3±1.4, 58% female, 58% Non-Hispanic White, MT1D duration 6.4±3.7 years, MA1c = 9.2±2.2%). Adolescents completed the Responses to Stress Questionnaire, assessing coping strategies related to diabetes stressors. Subscales include primary control engagement coping (e.g., problem solving), secondary control engagement coping (e.g., positive thinking), and disengagement coping (e.g., avoidance). Adolescents also completed the Type 1 Diabetes and Life (T1DAL) measure of HRQOL. HbA1c data were gathered from medical records or at-home kits. The association of coping strategies with HRQOL and HbA1c was examined among adolescents experiencing DD. Results: Bivariate correlations revealed that higher use of primary and secondary engagement coping strategies was associated with higher HRQOL (r=0.58; r=0.58, respectively), while higher use of disengagement coping strategies was associated with lower HRQOL (r=−0.51). Higher use of primary engagement coping strategies was associated with lower HbA1c (r=−0.21) while higher use of disengagement strategies was associated with higher HbA1c (r=0.17); all p<0.05. Discussion: Among a diverse group of adolescents experiencing DD, the use of engagement coping strategies was significantly correlated with higher HRQOL and lower HbA1c. These results highlight the value in promoting engagement coping strategies and discouraging the use of disengagement coping strategies among adolescents experiencing DD. Disclosure E.Straton: None. H.Inverso: None. R.Streisand: None. S.S.Jaser: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK121316)

Various types of stress and greater use of disengagement coping are associated with worse sleep disturbance in oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Various types of stress and the choice of coping strategies may be risk factors for higher levels of sleep disturbance in oncology patients. Purposes were to evaluate for differences in global, cancer-specific, and cumulative life stress, as well as resilience and the use of coping strategies among three subgroups of patients with distinct sleep disturbance profiles (i.e., Low, High, Very High). Oncology outpatients (n=1331) completed measures of global (Perceived Stress Scale), cancer-specific (Impact of Event Scale-Revised), and cumulative life (Life Stressor Checklist-Revised) stress, resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale) and coping (Brief Cope) prior to their second or third cycle of chemotherapy. Sleep disturbance was assessed six times over two chemotherapy cycles. Differences were evaluated using parametric and non-parametric tests. All stress measures showed a dose response effect (i.e., as the sleep disturbance profile worsened, levels of all types of stress increased). Compared to Low class, the other two classes reported higher levels of global perceived stress and higher occurrence rates and effect from previous stressful life events. Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores for the Very High class indicated post-traumatic symptomatology. Patients in High and Very High classes had resilience scores below the normative score for the United States population and used a higher number of disengagement coping strategies. Our findings suggest that very high levels of sleep disturbance are associated with higher levels of various types of stress, lower levels of resilience, and higher use of disengagement coping strategies. Clinicians need to perform routine assessments and implement symptom management interventions to reduce stress and encourage the use of engagement coping strategies.

Associations Between Distinct State Anxiety Profiles, Exposure to Stressful Life Events, Resilience, and Coping in Patients with Gynecologic Cancers Receiving Chemotherapy

In a sample of patients with gynecologic cancers who are receiving chemotherapy, subgroups of patients with distinct state anxiety profiles were identified, and differences among the subgroups in demographic and clinical characteristics, stress, exposure to stressful life events, resilience, and coping behaviors were evaluated. Patients (n = 230) completed questionnaires six times over two chemotherapy cycles. State anxiety was measured using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory. Subgroups of patients with distinct state anxiety profiles were identified using latent profile analysis. Differences among the classes were assessed using parametric and nonparametric tests. Three distinct state anxiety profiles were identified: low (55.2%), moderate (38.3%), and very high (6.5%). Compared with the low class, persons in the other two classes had lower functional status, more comorbidities, higher perceived stress, and lower resilience and were more likely to report a history of depression and to use disengagement coping strategies. Compared with the low class, the very high class was more likely to report childcare responsibilities; have a history of lung disease, stomach disease, or low back pain; have experienced physical neglect, serious money problems, a serious disaster, or foster care; or were a caregiver for someone with a severe disability. Nearly 45% of patients reported clinically meaningful levels of state anxiety that persisted over two cycles of chemotherapy. Experiences with a variety of stressors may be risk factors for higher levels of anxiety during chemotherapy. Clinicians need to perform comprehensive social histories and assess for anxiety in patients receiving chemotherapy.

Self-reported health and coping strategies of Ukrainian female refugees in the Czech Republic

ABSTRACT The main aim of the study was to investigate the coping strategies and their association with self-reported general health/psychological status in Ukrainian female refugees’ sample (N = 919) in the Czech Republic. The BRIEF-COPE inventory was employed to investigate coping strategies. Binomial logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between self-reported general health status and self-reported psychological status with coping strategies adjusted by socio-demographics. The findings showed that within problem-focused coping strategies, planning what to do and taking action to try to make the stressful situation better has been found the most frequently used. Among the emotion-focused coping, more often used strategies connected with accepting the situation and learning to live in new circumstances. On side of avoidance coping strategies, only strategies to work or to do other activities ‘to take their minds off things’ were used more often. Further, outcomes revealed that ineffective coping strategies of self-blame and behavioral disengagement were associated with poorly reported general health/psychological status, and effective coping strategy was positively associated with better-reported psychological status. The research outcomes could be useful for the policymakers to help Ukrainian female refugees to better adapt to the country and avoid worsening physical and mental health statuses.

Racial Discrimination during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health of Young Adults

With the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in mental health problems in the population worldwide. During the pandemic, individuals from East Asian backgrounds have been blamed for COVID-19 and faced xenophobic attacks, leading to increased incidents of racial discrimination. We administered an online survey to examine (a) associations between in-person and online racial discrimination and mental health (i.e., anxiety and depression) among East Asian university students (n=169) in Canada; and (b) the extent to which coping strategies and ethnic/cultural identity stage (e.g., exploration, resolution, affirmation) moderate the associations between discrimination and mental health. Results from hierarchical regressions indicated that experiencing online racial discrimination predicted more anxiety (b= .263, SE= .070, p< .001) and depression (b= .296, SE= .073, p< .001) symptoms. Using emotion-focused disengagement coping strategies predicted more anxiety (b= .705, SE= .129, p< .001) and depression (b= .763, SE= .127, p< .001). However, identity affirmation (i.e., positive feelings towards ethnic group) predicted less depression (b= -.533, SE= .245, p= .031). Results suggest that exposure to online racial discrimination during the pandemic has a negative effect on East Asian students’ well-being. However, positive feelings towards one’s ethnic identity may protect against mental health problems related to experiences of racial discrimination.

Brief Report: Longitudinal Role of Coping Strategies on Mental Health Outcomes in Autistic Youth and Adults.

The stress literature suggests that coping strategies are implicated in mental health outcomes. However, the longitudinal relationship between coping strategies and mental health in the autistic adult population has not yet been examined. This 2-year longitudinal study examined the predictive role of both baseline and change in coping strategy use over time (i.e., an increase or decrease) on anxiety, depression, and well-being after 2-years in 87 autistic adults aged 16 to 80 years. Controlling for baseline mental health, both baseline and increase in disengagement coping strategies (e.g., denial, self-blame) predicted higher anxiety and depression, and lower well-being, while an increase in engagement coping strategies (e.g., problem solving, acceptance) predicted higher well-being. These findings extend the current coping literature in autistic adults, offering insight into mental health support and intervention options.

A Comparison of Psychological Well-Being, Coping Strategies, and Emotional Problems Between Taiwanese and Australian Nursing Students.

Nursing professional health courses have been reported to be very exhaustive and stressful, with most nursing students reporting moderate levels of stress. This study was designed to compare the spiritual well-being, coping strategies, psychological well-being, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation between Taiwanese and Australian nursing students. Three hundred eighty-one nursing students (180 from Taiwan and 201 from Australia) were recruited for this cross-sectional comparative research study. The Psychological Well-being Scale, Spiritual Well-being Scale, Coping Strategies Inventory Short-Form, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Zung Depression Scale, and Brief Screen for Adolescent Depression Scale were used to collect data. SPSS 27.0 was used for data analysis. Descriptive data analysis, chi-square tests, independent t test, Pearson correlations, and stepwise multiple regressions were used to examine the research questions. Students in Australia had higher mean scores than Taiwanese nursing students for psychological well-being, life satisfaction/self-actualization, and using problem-focused disengagement coping strategies, whereas Taiwanese students had higher mean scores for using emotion-focused engagement coping strategies and depression than their Australian nursing students. Spiritual well-being and problem-focused disengagement were shown to be significantly and positively related to psychological well-being and significantly and negatively related to anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in both groups. No significant difference between Australian students and Taiwanese students was found in anxiety, suicidal ideation, and negative-emotion-related alcohol use. The multiple regressions performed in this study support life satisfaction/self-actualization and the emotion-focused disengagement coping strategy as significant predictors of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation in both student groups. The findings of this study help nursing program faculty better understand the key factors of influence on nursing student mental health and provide a conceptual framework for using problem-focused coping strategies and spiritual education on students.

Chronic stressors, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms: A comparison across older age groups.

Late-life depression is a prevalent mental health problem among older adults. Variations may exist in the intensity of chronic stressors experienced by people in different older age groups and their effects on depressive symptoms. To examine differences among older adults by age group in the experienced intensity of chronic stressors in relation to coping strategies and depressive symptoms. Participants were 114 older adults. The sample was divided into three age groups: 65-72, 73-81, and 82-91. The participants completed questionnaires on coping strategies, depressive symptoms, and chronic stressors. Moderation analyses were conducted. The lowest levels of depressive symptoms were in the young-old age group and the highest levels were in the oldest-old age group. The young-old age group used more engaged and less disengaged coping strategies than the two other groups. The association between intensity of chronic stressors and depressive symptoms was stronger in the two older age groups compared to the youngest (moderating effect of age groups). Differences exist in the relationships among chronic stressors, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms by age groups in the older adult population. Professionals should be aware of the possible differences between age groups in depressive symptoms and the impact of stressors on depressive symptoms in different older adult age groups.

Positive Psychological Functioning, Emotional Regulation and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Adaptation to Illness in Uruguayan Adolescents in Treatment for Cancer

This study aimed to analyze whether there is a relationship between the variables: Positive Psychological Functioning (PPF), Emotional Regulation (ER) and Coping Strategies (CS) in relation to Adaptation to Illness (AI), and which of these variables is the best predictor of adaptation in adolescents undergoing cancer treatment. The clinical sample was of 33 adolescents aged 12-17 years (M =15.15, ST=1.67). The results indicated that emotional suppression was used more by females, while the coping strategies of religion and behavioral disengagement were used more by males. Participants from the interior of the country showed higher values in PPF than those from the city, and religious belief was more highly related with AI and ER. A linear regression study showed that, although the three independent variables predict the dependent variable, the best predictor is PPF, followed by ER and CS. The t value of the stepwise linear regression model indicated a significance of .02. These results may be useful when planning treatment in adolescents with cancer, with an approach based on psychological resources.

Problematic Internet, Smartphone, and SMS Use among Adults: Shared and Unique Predictors.

Although a surge of interest has recently emerged in investigating the simultaneous problematic use of various technology-based tools, the findings are still inconclusive. The present web-based survey aimed at examining whether (a) personality traits, coping strategies, and sociodemographics are associated with problematic internet, smartphone, and SMS use among Greek users and (b) personality traits mediate the relationship between maladaptive coping strategies and problematic use of the three media. A cross-sectional study. A convenience and snowball sample of 1016 participants (84.4% female, mean age of 30.3 years) completed the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire-9 (PIUQ-9), the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale (MPPUS), the Self-Perception of Text Message Dependency Scale (STDS), the Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire 4+(PDQ-4+), and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief COPE). Shared predictors between problematic use of the three technology-based tools were younger age and low educational level, the coping strategy of substance use, and the narcissistic, avoidant, and dependent personality disorders. Predictors of problematic internet and smartphone use were coping strategies of emotional support, self-distraction, and behavioral disengagement. According to structural equation models (SEM) models, cluster C personality disorders fully mediate the relationship between maladaptive coping strategies and problematic use of technology-based tools. Addressing factors that predispose (i.e., personality traits), precipitate, or maintain problematic use (i.e., coping strategies) can lead to effective and cost-saving preventive (i.e., screening of vulnerable groups) and therapeutic efforts (i.e., teaching adaptive coping strategies).