Maladaptive Coping Strategies Research Articles

Coping styles and subjective well-being of indian civil aircrew in the context of COVID-19

Objectives: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection has emerged into a widespread pandemic that stalled the world. Humanitarian missions like Vande Bharat during the first wave of COVID-19 and passenger as well as cargo services during its second wave were carried out extensively by civil aircrew. Operating under such challenging circumstances is likely to affect the well-being and psychological health of the aircrew. Exploring different coping strategies adopted by civil aircrew and assessment of their subjective well-being while operating during the pandemic was the desired objective of the study. Material and Methods: In a descriptive cross-sectional design, 100 Indian civil and cabin crew voluntarily participated in the study. Two standardized questionnaires and a demographic inventory were administered to the sample to identify the coping strategies (the Brief COPE) and assess subjective well-being (WHO-5). Quantitative and qualitative analyses were computed for the data obtained on study variables. “t”-test was carried out to find the differences in the coping strategies utilized by the aircrew in the first and second waves of the pandemic. Results: The mean age and flying experience of the sample were 43.74 ± 10.36 years and 17.34 ± 11.66 years. It was observed that the adaptive coping strategies were higher than the maladaptive coping styles with acceptance (6.56 ± 1.40) and active coping (5.98 ± 1.39) being predominant. There was no significant difference between the coping strategies used during the first and second waves of COVID-19. Imposition of financial constraints and discomfort while flying with a PPE kit was observed in qualitative analysis. The policies and regulations about the COVID protocols were reported to be frequently amended by airlines and regulatory authorities leading to ambiguity amongst the crew. Conclusion: The present study revealed that the Indian civil aircrew used adaptive coping strategies frequently and maladaptive coping strategies sparingly while operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Certain stressors under this unique situation may be unchangeable with specific coping strategies, but their application may nonetheless lead to positive feelings of autonomy or a reduction in the experience of anxiety. Thus, airlines may initiate the trend of positive psychological interventions as a preventive measure. Pilot training may also incorporate techniques for adopting healthy behavior using specific coping strategies.

Mental health of autistic adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: The impact of perceived stress, intolerance of uncertainty, and coping style.

Autistic individuals are at particular risk of experiencing mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet little is known about personal characteristics that may underlie this vulnerability. This longitudinal questionnaire study with 149 autistic and 147 non-autistic adults investigated the association between perceived stress and anxiety and depressive symptoms, measured 4 months later. In addition, the moderating impact of intolerance of uncertainty and coping styles on this association was examined. Confirming previous studies, autistic adults reported poorer mental health than non-autistic individuals. Results demonstrated similar moderation models across individuals with versus without autism. Perceived stress at timepoint 1 was associated with anxiety and depression at timepoint 2. Across both participant groups, individuals with maladaptive coping strategies and higher levels of intolerance of uncertainty at timepoint 1 showed more internalizing symptoms at timepoint 2. The findings demonstrate the burden of the pandemic on the mental health of autistic adults, especially on those with high levels of perceived stress, maladaptive coping strategies, or intolerance of uncertainty. Interventions to support autistic adults during and after the pandemic might involve providing psychoeducation about the impact of stress, coping, and intolerance of uncertainty on internalizing symptoms, and teaching more adaptive ways to cope with difficult circumstances.Lay abstractMore and more research shows us that autistic individuals are at risk of experiencing mental health problems in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about why this is the case. At two timepoints during the pandemic, we asked 149 autistic and 147 non-autistic adults about feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, and about characteristics that may explain why some (autistic) people have a larger chance of developing anxiety and depression during this pandemic. In our study, autistic adults experienced more anxiety and depression than non-autistic adults. Across autistic and non-autistic individuals, the people who experienced more stress at timepoint 1 experienced more anxiety and depression 4 months later. This was especially the case for those individuals who use maladaptive coping styles, such as denial or venting, and for those who have difficulties dealing with uncertain situations. Our findings show the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of autistic adults. Interventions to support autistic adults during and after the pandemic are needed, and they may want to focus on the negative impact of stress and teach autistic (and non-autistic) adults more adaptive ways to cope with stressful circumstances.

Anxiety and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study of staff and students from a tertiary education center in Malaysia.

AimWe examined the anxiety levels and coping strategies among staff and students of a tertiary educational institution during the COVID-19 pandemic and determined the association between anxiety level and coping strategies.MethodThrough an online survey, we used Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) to measure the level of anxiety associated with the COVID-19 crisis and Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) to assess the coping responses adopted to handle stressful life events. Coping strategies were classified as adaptive and maladaptive, for which the aggregate sores were calculated. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predictors of anxiety adjusted for potentially confounding variables. Results from 434 participants were available for analysis.ResultsThe mean score (SD) of the CAS was 1.1 (1.8). The mean scores of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies were 35.69 and 19.28, respectively. Multiple linear regression revealed that maladaptive coping [Adjusted B coefficient = 4.106, p-value < 0.001] and presence of comorbidities [Adjusted B coefficient = 1.376, p-value = 0.025] significantly predicted anxiety.ConclusionMaladaptive coping and presence of comorbidities were the predictors of coronavirus anxiety. The apparent lack of anxiety in relation to COVID-19 and movement restriction is reflective of the reported high level of satisfaction with the support and services provided during the COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia. Adaptive coping strategies were adopted more frequently than maladaptive. Nevertheless, public education on positive coping strategies and anxiety management may be still be relevant to provide mental health support to address the needs of the general population.

Cyberbullying and Gambling Disorder: Associations with Emotion Regulation and Coping Strategies

The presence of unsuitable coping and emotion regulation strategies in young populations with gambling disorder (GD) and in those who have experienced cyberbullying victimization has been suggested. However, this association has not been explored in depth. In this study, our aim was to analyze individual differences in emotion regulation, coping strategies, and substance abuse in a clinical sample of adolescents and young adult patients with GD (n = 31) and in a community sample (n = 250). Furthermore, we aimed to examine the association between cyberbullying and GD. Participants were evaluated using the Cyberbullying Questionnaire-Victimization, the Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory, the Coping Strategies Inventory, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test. Structural Equation Modeling was used to explore associations between these factors in a community sample and in a clinical group. In both groups, exposure to cyberbullying behaviors was positively associated with higher emotion dysregulation and the use of maladaptative coping styles. Our findings uphold that adolescents and young adults who were victims of cyberbullying show difficulties in emotion regulation and maladaptive coping strategies when trying to solve problems. The specific contribution of sex, age, gambling severity, emotion regulation, and coping strategies on cyberbullying severity is also discussed. Populations at vulnerable ages could potentially benefit from public prevention policies that target these risk factors.

Coping during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods approach to understand how social factors influence coping ability

The COVID-19 pandemic and public health protection measures aimed at mitigating the transmission of the virus have both resulted in tremendous physical and mental health impacts. The study at hand used a gender-based analysis and social determinants of health approach to investigate which communities had trouble coping during times of strict protection measures and symptoms and strategies employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.Participants were recruited from previously established cohorts as a part of the COVID-19 Rapid Evidence Study of a Provincial Population-Based Cohort for Gender and Sex (RESPPONSE) study. Being a young adult, female, woman, gender diverse, low-income earner or LGBTQ/2S+ was significantly associated with not being able to cope during the first wave of the pandemic. The effects for females, women, and gender diverse were attenuated yet still significant when controlling for various covariates. Those who reported not coping were more likely to present maladaptive coping symptoms and strategies. Our findings demonstrate the need to support marginalized communities in coping with the current ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and build proactive support for future pandemics.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COPING STRATEGIES IN SPOUSES OF NORMAL SUBJECTS AND PATIENTS DIAGNOSED WITH ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE SYNDROME

Introduction: Alcohol dependence syndrome is a very common condition affecting the general population. Alcohol abuse can result in novelty seeking and risk taking behaviour resulting in violence and road trafc accidents. Long duration abuse can cause several psychiatric disorders like anxiety, depression, and family disharmony. These problems are much more common in countries like India. In this single stage cross-sectional case control Methodology and Results: study, the degree of psychological well-being was grossly affected in spouses of patients with alcohol dependence in comparison to spouses of normal subjects. The overall mean (SD) of desirable coping strategies was 33.08 (7.7) in the study group and 68.0 (2.0) in the control group. The overall mean (SD) of undesirable coping strategies was 28.8 (4.2) in the study group and 5.2 (1.6) in the control group. In the study group, higher means were obtained by greater use of undesirable coping strategies in comparison to that in control group. Further analysis into the domains showed signicant difference (P-value 0.001) between the study and control groups in all domains except substance use. The spouses of the Conclusion: study group showed higher usage of maladaptive coping strategies to handle their stress.

Understanding the Self-Harming Behavior of Filipino Male Detainees (32-58 Years Old): A Descriptive Phenomenology.

Self-harming behavior (SHB) has become a significant health issue among several populations, including adolescents, traumatized individuals, and persons deprived of liberty. Undoubtedly, incarceration takes a toll on inmates' mental health due to several stressful experiences while in custody. These taxing events make them vulnerable to maladaptive coping strategies, such as SHB. To date, many studies on this behavior have focused on high-income countries. Research has not explored much on this behavior among inmates in developing countries such as the Philippines. This phenomenological inquiry aims to characterize the experiences of select older male Filipino detainees engaged in SHB. Through vertical and horizontal analyses of the narratives shared, this study conceptualized the Self-Harming Behavior of Older Filipino Detainees as Tension and Compression. This model shows the forces that either pull or push the detainees to engage in self-injurious acts. Specifically, the seven themes surfaced: life dispositions, jail ecology, emotional baggage, physically and chemically-induced self-harming behavior, consequences, coping strategies, and cognizance. Findings from this inquiry may necessitate the provision of adequate and comprehensive prevention and intervention services for the self-harmers in jail, which are geared toward implementing a thorough psychological evaluation and promoting sound psychological well-being.

Frontal alpha asymmetry: A potential biomarker of approach-withdrawal motivation towards pain.

Pain-related catastrophising is a maladaptive coping strategy known to have a strong influence on clinical pain outcomes and treatment efficacy. Notwithstanding, little is known about its neurophysiological correlates. There is evidence to suggest catastrophising is associated with resting-state EEG frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) patterns reflective of greater relative right frontal activity, which is known to be linked to withdrawal motivation and avoidance of aversive stimuli. The present study aims to investigate whether such a relationship occurs in the situational context of experimental pain. A placebo intervention was also included to evaluate effects of a potential pain-relieving intervention on FAA. 35 participants, including both chronic pain patients and healthy subjects, completed the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS) questionnaire followed by EEG recordings during cold pressor test (CPT)-induced tonic pain with or without prior application of placebo cream. There was a negative correlation between FAA and PCS-subscale helplessness scores, but not rumination or magnification, during the pre-placebo CPT condition. Moreover, FAA scores were shown to increase significantly in response to pain, indicative of greater relative left frontal activity that relates to approach-oriented behaviours. Placebo treatment elicited a decrease in FAA in low helplessness scorers, but no significant effects in individuals scoring above the mean on PCS-helplessness. These findings suggest that, during painful events, FAA may reflect the motivational drive to obtain reward of pain relief, which may be diminished in individuals who are prone to feel helpless about their pain. This study provides valuable insights into biomarkers of pain-related catastrophising and prospects of identifying promising targets of brain-based therapies for chronic pain management.

Emotional and behavioral problems and coping strategies among adolescent orphans

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background and objective:&lt;/strong&gt; Rising incidence of mental health problems is a serious issue all over the world. Adolescents living in orphanages are at a particular risk as they have numerous challenges in their life and coping with them requires adequate life skills. This study aims to assess the emotional and behavioral issues and the coping strategies adopted by adolescent orphans in Pakistan.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This cross-sectional study comprises 109 adolescent orphans living in different orphanages. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for evaluating the emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) was used while KIDCOPE scale was adopted to assess the coping strategies.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;About 34.9% of orphans fell in an abnormal range of EBP and 22.9% were in the borderline zone. The most prevalent problem was conduct (25.7%) followed by peer problems (24.8%), emotional instability (18.3%), hyperactivity (17.4%), and prosocial behavior (11%). A significant and positive correlation was observed between peer problems and maladaptive strategies (r = 0.191, p = 0.047) and between prosocial behavior and adaptive strategies (r = 0.294, p = 0.002).&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;Orphans residing in orphanages suffer from behavioral and emotional problems and are using maladaptive coping strategies. It is highly suggestive to monitor and maintain an optimal psychological health of this vulnerable population in our country.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Coping in Anger Episodes: Developmental Differences and Self-Efficacy Beliefs

Anger has been recognized as a natural emotion; however, its poor management in adolescence is associated with some adverse developmental outcomes. The aims of this study were to compare the antecedents and coping strategies of anger episodes between adolescents and adults and the role of perceived self-efficacy on the coping strategies. A total of 88 adolescents (44 female, Mage = 16.81 years, SD = 1.21) and 94 adults (49 female, Mage = 28.11 years, SD = 5.82) reported an anger episode and the coping strategy adopted. Participants also filled in the Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale (RESE). The results show that there are no specific antecedents among only adolescents or adults, although there are differences between the two age groups. Furthermore, the results indicate a different use of coping strategies between adolescents and adults. Specifically, a greater propensity of adolescents to use more often maladaptive strategies such as avoidance and denial emerged, but in addiction inaction, considered an adaptive strategy, can also be found. However, although adults use less maladaptive coping strategies they report a high frequency of feeling of powerlessness. The adaptive differences in coping also are explained by the different levels of self-efficacy beliefs of the participants. These findings are discussed in the light of the adaptive role of the coping strategies.

Burden Predictors for Informal Caregivers of Older Adults in Spain: The Role of Cohabitation, Coping Strategies, Social Support, and Evaluation of Preexisting Relationships.

Given the role that informal caregivers play in caring for older adults and the importance of understanding the variables that may predict the burden that they experience due to caregiving, the aim of this article is to examine the relationship between different variables and the caregiver's subjective burden. Authors examined the relationship between caregivers' sociodemographic characteristics (age and gender), the context in which the care is provided (cohabiting or not), duty as a reason for taking on the role of caregiver, the evaluation of the preexisting relationship between caregiver and care recipient, as well as coping strategies and social support as predictor variables of subjective burden. For this purpose, 161 caregivers of older Spanish adults completed a questionnaire containing information on the corresponding variables. The results indicate that people cohabiting with care recipients experience a greater subjective burden than those who live apart. The caregiver's evaluation of their preexisting relationship with the care recipient and perceived family support negatively predicts the subjective burden, while maladaptive coping strategies positively predict it. These results underline the importance of considering these variables in caregiver support programs.

Relationship of coping strategies with mood symptoms, disease related characteristics and demographic variables in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review study

Objectivethe aim of this systematic review was to summarize the coping strategies utilized by people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and the association of these strategies with mood symptoms, quality of life, fatigue and disability in pwMS. Methodssearch in the literature was performed across electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. No time constraint was applied for searching across the databases. Manual search was also performed on the list of references of the retrieved papers. Two authors independently evaluated the retrieved citations based on predetermined inclusion criteria in two screening stages. This systematic review followed Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for cross-sectional research. The findings related to the coping patterns against MS as well as the relationship between the patterns and MS symptoms were extracted and synthesized. FindingsA total of 2390 records were identified. After removing duplicates and based on screening, 39 papers met the eligibility criteria for qualitative synthesis, and they were evaluated in terms of quality of study. When comparing genders, women used more religious coping, social support seeking, and positive coping compared to men. Depression and anxiety were associated with maladaptive and emotion-oriented coping strategies. The patients who used positive and problem solving oriented coping strategies had a better score of quality of life. Disability and fatigue were associated with applying avoidance and maladaptive coping strategies. Conclusionthe findings of this review suggest that understanding the relationship between coping strategies and quality of life as well as the symptoms related to the disease is important to understand development of psychological interventions adopted by specialists to support these patients.

Are coping strategies and variability in their use associated with lifespan?

ObjectivesSome stress-related coping strategies contribute to survival among medical populations, but it is unclear if they relate to longevity in the general population. While coping strategies are characterized as being adaptive or maladaptive, whether capacity to tailor their implementation to different contexts (i.e., flexibility of use) may influence lifespan is unknown. MethodIn 2004–2006, participants from the Midlife Development in the United States study completed a validated coping inventory including 6 strategies and provided information on sociodemographics, health status, and biobehavioral factors (N = 4398). Deaths were ascertained from death registries with follow-up until 2018. Accelerated failure time models estimated percent changes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in predicted lifespan associated with use of individual coping strategies. As a proxy for flexibility, participants were also classified as having lower, moderate, or greater variability in strategies used, using a standard deviation-based algorithm. ResultsAfter controlling for sociodemographics and health status, maladaptive strategies (e.g., per 1-SD increase in Denial = −5.50, 95%CI = −10.50, −0.21) but not adaptive strategies (e.g., Planning) were related to shorter lifespan. Greater versus moderate variability levels were related to a 15% shorter lifespan. Estimates were somewhat attenuated when further controlling for lifestyle factors. ConclusionAlthough most associations were of modest magnitude, use of some maladaptive coping strategies appeared related to shorter lifespan. Compared to moderate levels, greater coping variability levels were also clearly detrimental for lifespan. Although adaptive strategies were unrelated to longevity, future work should examine other favorable strategies (e.g., acceptance) and more direct measures of flexibility (e.g., experience sampling methods).

Effects of psilocybin versus escitalopram on rumination and thought suppression in depression.

Major depressive disorder is often associated with maladaptive coping strategies, including rumination and thought suppression. To assess the comparative effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor escitalopram, and the serotonergic psychedelic psilocybin (COMP360), on rumination and thought suppression in major depressive disorder. Based on data derived from a randomised clinical trial (N = 59), we performed exploratory analyses on the impact of escitalopram versus psilocybin (i.e. condition) on rumination and thought suppression from 1 week before to 6 weeks after treatment inception (i.e. time), using mixed analysis of variance. Condition responder versus non-responder subgroup analyses were also done, using the standard definition of ≥50% symptom reduction. A time×condition interaction was found for rumination (F(1, 56) = 4.58, P = 0.037) and thought suppression (F(1,57) = 5.88, P = 0.019), with post hoc tests revealing significant decreases exclusively in the psilocybin condition. When analysing via response, a significant time×condition×response interaction for thought suppression (F(1,54) = 8.42, P = 0.005) and a significant time×response interaction for rumination (F(1,54) = 23.50, P < 0.001) were evident. Follow-up tests revealed that decreased thought suppression was exclusive to psilocybin responders, whereas rumination decreased in both responder groups. In the psilocybin arm, decreases in rumination and thought suppression correlated with ego dissolution and session-linked psychological insight. These data provide further evidence on the therapeutic mechanisms of psilocybin and escitalopram in the treatment of depression.

Association of Self-Reported Coping Strategies With Speech Recognition Outcomes in Adult Cochlear Implant Users.

To characterize the degree to which individual coping strategies may influence speech perception after cochlear implantation. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary referral center. Adult, postlingually deaf cochlear implant recipients. The Coping Orientation to Problems Experience inventory, a validated, multidimensional self-reported coping scale, was administered preoperatively. Speech perception was measured using consonant-nucleus-consonant (CNC) phoneme and word scores, AzBio sentence accuracy in quiet and noise, and Hearing in Noise Test sentences in quiet preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Quality of life was measured with the Hearing Implant Sound Quality Index and the Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire. Thirty-six patients were included in this study. Mean age at surgery was 70.7 ± 11.4 years. Acceptance was associated with a decreased AzBio in noise score in the 6 months after CI (regression coefficient b = -0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.07 to -0.03; p < 0.01). Denial was associated with a decreased AzBio in quiet score (b = -0.05; 95% CI, -0.09 to -0.01; p < 0.05), whereas humor was associated with an increased AzBio in quiet score (b = 0.02; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.04; p < 0.05). Humor was also associated with an increased Hearing in Noise Test score (b = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.07; p < 0.05). Denial was associated with decreased CNC word (b = -0.04; 95% CI, -0.06 to -0.02; p < 0.01) and phoneme (b = -0.04; 95% CI, -0.07 to -0.02; p < 0.01) scores, whereas substance use was associated with increased CNC word (b = 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.05, p < 0.01) and phoneme (b = 0.04; 95% CI, 0.02 to 0.06; p < 0.01) scores. Scores on self-reported quality of life measures were not significantly correlated with coping strategies. A variety of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies are used by postlingually deaf adult cochlear implant users. Denial and acceptance may be more predictive of poor speech performance, whereas humor and substance use may be more predictive of improved speech performance.

Coping strategies and their association with diabetes specific distress, depression and diabetes self-care among people living with diabetes in Zambia

ObjectivesUtilising coping strategies to reduce and manage the intensity of negative and distressing emotions caused by diabetes is essential. However, little is known about the use of coping strategies among people living with diabetes in Sub-Saharan African countries like Zambia. This study investigates coping strategies used by people with diabetes in Zambia and how these are associated with diabetes-specific emotional distress, depression and diabetes self-care.MethodsCross-sectional data from 157 people with diabetes aged between 12 and 68 years were collected. Of the 157, 59% were people with type 1 diabetes and 37% with type 2 diabetes. About 4% had missing information in their record but had either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Coping styles were measured using the Brief Version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE), diabetes specific-distress using the Problem Areas in Diabetes, depression using the Major Depression Inventory and self-care using the Diabetes Self-Care scale.ResultsData showed that adaptive coping strategies such as religious coping, acceptance among others, were the most frequently used coping strategies among Zambian individuals with diabetes. Maladaptive coping strategies e.g., self-blame and self-distraction were related to increased diabetes specific-distress and depression. Emotional support was related to better diabetes self-care, while self-blame was related to poor diabetes self-care.ConclusionThere is need to help individuals with diabetes identify adaptive strategies that work best for them in order to improve their quality of life.

Strategies for improving mental health and wellbeing used by adults ageing with HIV: a qualitative exploration

Background: Physical and mental health problems are common among older adults living with HIV (OALWH). Adaptive coping strategies play a vital role in improving these adults' mental health and well-being despite the deleterious effects of HIV and ageing. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, limited evidence exists on the commonly utilized coping strategies in this population. We explore the coping strategies used by Kenyan OALWH to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Methods: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted between October and December 2019 with 56 participants: 34 OALWH (53% female), 11 healthcare providers (63% female) and 11 primary caregivers (73% female) in Kilifi County. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used the framework approach to synthesize the qualitative data. Results: Five major themes emerged from the analysis of participants’ narratives, including self-care practices, religion and spirituality, relational living (social connectedness), generativity, identity, and mastery. Our study further revealed maladaptive coping strategies, including reliance on over-the-counter medications, self-isolation, waiting to see if symptoms would subside despite doing nothing, and HIV treatment interruptions during prolonged periods of prayer and fasting. Conclusions: Our findings provide an initial understanding of the coping strategies used by OALWH to confront HIV and ageing challenges in a low-literacy, low socio-economic Kenyan setting. Our results suggest that interventions designed to enhance personal capacity, social support, positive religiosity and spirituality, and intergenerational connections may be beneficial in improving the mental health and well-being of OALWH.

Psychological distress and coping strategies among the caretakers of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia.

IntroductionThalassemia is a chronic childhood disease that could result in psychological distress not only to the patients but also to their caretakers. Caretakers utilize different coping strategies to reduce stress and maintain a good quality of life.ObjectiveThe study aims to measure the level of psychological distress among caretakers of transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients and identify coping strategies used by them, as well as examine factors related to both outcome measures.MethodsSixty-eight (N = 68) caretakers of children with transfusion-dependent thalassemia agreed to participate in the study when they were approached during their visits to one of three major hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia, for the children's medical treatment. They completed the Malay validated Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21) and Brief-COPE self-report, in addition to a brief study proforma.ResultsThe majority of the participants reported feeling psychologically well, with no related scores in depression, anxiety, and stress sub-scales. The mean score for anxiety and stress sub-scales were 3.54 (SD = 3.54) and 4.25 (SD = 3.26) respectively. The median score for the depression sub-scale was 2.00 (IQR 4.00). The three mostly utilized coping strategies were religion, acceptance, and positive reframing. Those with depressed and anxious moods were found to engage more in negative coping strategies including substance abuse, denial, and behavioral disengagement. Being female, of younger age, employed, with higher educational level, and income status was found to significantly influence the adoption of positive reframing as a coping strategy.ConclusionPsychological distress such as elevated anxiety and depression was found among a small portion of caretakers who have children with thalassemia whose treatment required blood transfusion. They were noted to apply more maladaptive coping strategies compared to their psychologically well counterparts.

Boredom in a Time of Uncertainty: State and Trait Boredom's Associations with Psychological Health during COVID-19.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, studies have demonstrated increases in boredom and its negative impact on mental health. This cross-sectional study examines state and trait boredom at four different points of the pandemic using an online sample of participants from the United States (n = 783). The results showed significant increases in boredom proneness, state boredom, substance use, loneliness, and distress. Boredom was associated with increases in each of these variables and a greater likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19. Moreover, the increases in distress, loneliness, and substance use became non-significant when controlling for boredom. Boredom proneness remained associated with all adverse outcomes when accounting for state boredom. In contrast, the relationships between state boredom and most adverse outcomes lost significance when controlling for boredom proneness, and state boredom was positively associated with increased hope for the future. Overall, the results suggest that high boredom proneness is an important vulnerability factor for poor psychological health and risky behaviors during the pandemic. However, high levels of recent state boredom, independent of boredom proneness, do not predict similarly negative outcomes. State boredom may indicate the extent to which one remains hopeful that circumstances will improve without resorting to risky, potentially maladaptive coping strategies.

Posttraumatic stress disorder and coping strategies in the postpartum period: A symptomics approach

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been increasingly recognized as a potential mental health concern for new mothers. Elevated PTSD symptoms have been associated with maladaptive coping strategies in the postpartum period, a time when women face many challenges, demands, and stressors. However, PTSD symptoms manifest in heterogeneous ways, and focusing only on total symptom scores may obscure more nuanced associations with particular coping styles. In a large, ethnically diverse sample of postpartum women from across the United States (N = 1,315), first we examined associations between total PTSD symptom severity with three distinct coping styles: active-emotional, avoidant-emotional, and problem-focused. In models adjusting for race and educational attainment, total PTSD symptom severity was significantly positively associated with tendencies to use active- and avoidant-emotional, but not problem-focused, coping. We then adopted a novel “symptomics” approach, employing relative importance analyses to examine associations between individual PTSD symptoms with the coping styles. These analyses identified PTSD symptoms that were most strongly associated with each coping style. Notably, whereas several symptoms explained variance in avoidant-emotional coping, only a few symptoms contributed most to active-emotional and problem-focused coping. Moreover, non-specific symptoms of PTSD that are shared with other psychopathology (e.g., difficulty concentrating, loss of interest) explained significant proportions of variance across all coping styles. Collectively, results suggest that a symptomics approach may provide more nuanced insight into how PTSD symptoms are linked to various coping styles in postpartum women, which can help inform potential screening and intervention targets for at-risk women during this period.