A prospective investigation of developmental trajectories of psychosocial adjustment in adolescents facing a chronic condition - study protocol of an observational, multi-center study

Abstract Background Relatively little is known about protective factors and the emergence and maintenance of positive outcomes in the field of adolescents with chronic conditions. Therefore, the primary aim of the study is to acquire a deeper understanding of the dynamic process of resilience factors, coping strategies and psychosocial adjustment of adolescents living with chronic conditions. Methods/design We plan to consecutively recruit N = 450 adolescents (12–21 years) from three German patient registries for chronic conditions (type 1 diabetes, cystic fibrosis, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis). Based on screening for anxiety and depression, adolescents are assigned to two parallel groups – “inconspicuous” (PHQ-9 and GAD-7 < 7) vs. “conspicuous” (PHQ-9 or GAD-7 ≥ 7) – participating in a prospective online survey at baseline and 12-month follow-up. At two time points (T1, T2), we assess (1) intra- and interpersonal resiliency factors, (2) coping strategies, and (3) health-related quality of life, well-being, satisfaction with life, anxiety and depression. Using a cross-lagged panel design, we will examine the bidirectional longitudinal relations between resiliency factors and coping strategies, psychological adaptation, and psychosocial adjustment. To monitor Covid-19 pandemic effects, participants are also invited to take part in an intermediate online survey. Discussion The study will provide a deeper understanding of adaptive, potentially modifiable processes and will therefore help to develop novel, tailored interventions supporting a positive adaptation in youths with a chronic condition. These strategies should not only support those at risk but also promote the maintenance of a successful adaptation. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), no. DRKS00025125. Registered on May 17, 2021.

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Coping Strategies and Subjective Well-being: Context Matters

Journal of Happiness Studies ◽

10.1007/s10902-021-00372-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rabea Fischer ◽

Jakob Scheunemann ◽

Steffen Moritz

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Online Survey ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Coping Styles ◽

Well Being ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Adaptive Coping ◽

Subjective Well Being ◽

Expressive Suppression

AbstractA growing body of research suggests that the functionality of coping strategies may in part depend on the context in which they are executed. Thus far, functionality has mostly been defined through the associations of coping strategies with psychopathology, particularly depression. Whether associations of coping strategies with proxies for happiness such as subjective well-being (SWB) are simply inverse remains to be shown. A total of n = 836 individuals from the U. S. general population participated in an online survey that included a revised version of the Maladaptive and Adaptive Coping Styles Questionnaire (MAX-R) that incorporates context-specific items, the Scale of Positive and Negative Affect (SPANE), the Temporal Satisfaction with Life Scale (TSWLS), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Web Screening Questionnaire (WSQ). The MAX-R was submitted to an exploratory factor analysis. The factor analysis of the MAX-R yielded four subscales: adaptive, maladaptive, avoidance, and expressive suppression coping. Similar strategies in different contexts at times loaded on the same (e.g., maladaptive) or different (e.g., adaptive and avoidance) dimensions. Hierarchical multiple linear regression revealed significant associations of adaptive coping with SPANE (ß = 0.21), TSWLS (ß = 0.03), and PHQ-9 (ß = 0.07), all ps < .001, of maladaptive coping with SPANE (ß = − 0.19), TSWLS (ß = − 0.10), and PHQ-9 (ß = 0.02), all ps < .01, of avoidance with PHQ-9 (ß = 0.01, p < .001), and of expressive suppression with SPANE (ß = − 0.06) and TSWLS (ß = − 0.16), ps < .005. Final models explained 64.6% of variance in SPANE, 41.8% of variance in TSWLS, and 55% of variance in PHQ-9 score. In some instances, the functionality of coping strategies appears to be impacted by contextual factors. When investigating the overall benefit of use versus nonuse of coping strategies, their association with psychopathology measures and with subjective well-being should both be considered.

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Mental Health Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.2681 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 724-724

Author(s):

Courtney Polenick ◽

Diarratou Kaba ◽

Summer Meyers ◽

Annie Zhou ◽

Nikita Daniel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Chronic Conditions ◽

Chronic Condition ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Severe Illness ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Related Stress

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic may have a negative impact on mental health, especially among older adults with chronic conditions who are more vulnerable to severe illness. This cross-sectional qualitative study evaluated how the pandemic has impacted the ways that adults aged 50 and older with chronic conditions managed their mental health. Participants included a total of 492 adults (M = 64.95 years, SD = 8.91, range = 50 – 94) from Michigan (82.1%) and 33 other U.S. states who reported a diagnosis of at least one chronic condition and completed an anonymous online survey between May 14 and July 9, 2020. Participants provided open-ended responses to a question about the pandemic’s impact on how they were taking care of their mental health. The data were coded to ascertain relevant concepts and were reduced to develop major themes. We determined four main themes. The pandemic impacted how participants took care of their mental health through: (1) pandemic-related barriers to social interaction; (2) pandemic-related routine changes; (3) pandemic-related stress; and (4) pandemic-related changes to mental health care. Taken as a whole, this study indicates that older adults with chronic conditions encountered a variety of challenges to managing their mental health in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also demonstrated considerable resilience. These findings identify potential risk and protective factors to target as part of personalized interventions to preserve their well-being during this pandemic and in future public health crises.

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Young adults’ coping strategies against loneliness during the COVID-19-related quarantine in Greece

Health Promotion International ◽

10.1093/heapro/daab053 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Adrianos Golemis ◽

Panteleimon Voitsidis ◽

Eleni Parlapani ◽

Vasiliki A Nikopoulou ◽

Virginia Tsipropoulou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Young Adults ◽

Social Responsibility ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Online Survey ◽

Adult Population ◽

Psychological Impact ◽

Well Being ◽

Daily Routine ◽

Cross Sectional

Summary COVID-19 and the related quarantine disrupted young adults’ academic and professional life, daily routine and socio-emotional well-being. This cross-sectional study focused on the emotional and behavioural responses of a young adult population during the COVID-19-related quarantine in April 2020, in Greece. The study was conducted through an online survey. A total of 1559 young adults, aged 18−30 years, completed Steele’s Social Responsibility Motivation Scale and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, and answered questions about compliance with instructions, quarantine-related behaviours and coping strategies. According to the results, participants displayed a relatively high sense of social responsibility (M = 16.09, SD = 2.13) and a trend towards moderate feeling of loneliness (M = 2.65, SD = 1.62); young women reported significantly higher levels of loneliness than men. The majority complied with instructions often (46.4%) or always (44.8%). Significantly more women created a new social media account and used the social media longer than 5 h/day, compared with men. Resorting to religion, practicing sports and sharing thoughts and feelings about COVID-19 with others predicted higher levels of social responsibility; humour, practicing sports and sharing thoughts and feelings about COVID-19 with others predicted lower levels of loneliness. Conclusively, COVID-19 is expected to have a significant psychological impact on young adults. Currently, Greece is going through the second quarantine period. This study raises awareness about loneliness in young adults during the COVID-19-related quarantine and highlights the importance of developing online programmes, attractive to younger people, to nurture adaptive coping strategies against loneliness.

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Exploring the Frequency of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in a Brazilian Sample during the COVID-19 Outbreak

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18094847 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (9) ◽

pp. 4847

Author(s):

Fabiana Silva Ribeiro ◽

Flávia H. Santos ◽

Luis Anunciação ◽

Lucas Barrozo ◽

Jesus Landeira-Fernandez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Online Survey ◽

Age Groups ◽

Health Sector ◽

Severe Depression ◽

Well Being ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Depression Symptoms ◽

Brazilian Sample

The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency of international concern, and the main measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus causing COVID-19 were social distancing, quarantine, and self-isolation. Although these policies are effective in containing the spread of the virus, they might represent a challenge to psychological well-being, increasing levels of depressive and anxiety-related symptoms. Aims: We explored the frequency of anxiety and depression symptoms during COVID-19 restrictions and associations with sociodemographic factors in a Brazilian sample. Method: Data of a total of 936 Brazilian adults (68.2% women) aged 18 to 77 years old (M = 38.95, SD = 13.91) were collected through an online survey. Results: In general, we observed a frequency of 17.36% for severe anxiety and 66.13% for severe depression symptoms, in which younger participants (18–39 years old) and women showed higher scores in anxiety and depression scales compared to older age groups. Logistic regressions showed that women were more likely to present severe symptoms of anxiety (20.4%) compared to men (10.9%), as well as respondents in the educational sector (24.3%) compared to those in the health sector (10%). Conclusions: We highlight the importance of mental health professionals in developing strategies to help younger adults to mitigate the effects of social restriction.

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Psychological distress and coping styles in teachers: A preliminary study

Australian Journal of Education ◽

10.1177/0004944120908960 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 64 (2) ◽

pp. 127-146 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Peta Stapleton ◽

Sarah Garby ◽

Debbie Sabot

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Psychological Health ◽

Online Survey ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Clinical Symptoms ◽

Coping Styles ◽

Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽

Empirical Measures ◽

Brief Cope

Teaching professionals report higher levels of work-related stress and symptoms of psychological health problems than the general population. This study examined psychological distress, coping styles and wellbeing in 166 Australian teachers (aged 22–65 years; M = 37.74 years, SD = 10.84 years). Participants completed an online survey comprising demographic items and four empirical measures (The Satisfaction with Life Scale, Subjective Happiness Scale, The Brief COPE Inventory and The Patient Health Questionnaire). Work, workload and finances were identified as leading sources of stress. Moreover, above-average clinical symptoms of anxiety, depression and physical concerns were reported, and 17% of respondents met criteria for probable alcohol dependence. Results suggested that maladaptive coping strategies employed by teachers may contribute to their risk of increased psychological distress, and decreased life satisfaction and happiness. These findings indicate the need for work-based programmes to enhance teachers’ coping strategies in an effort to reduce psychological distress and improve overall wellbeing in teaching professionals.

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Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Depression in OCD and Schizophrenia: Changes during COVID-19

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11070926 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 926

Author(s):

Ángel Rosa-Alcázar ◽

José Luis Parada-Navas ◽

María Dolores García-Hernández ◽

Sergio Martínez-Murillo ◽

Pablo J. Olivares-Olivares ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Experiential Avoidance ◽

Online Survey ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Obsessive Compulsive ◽

Compulsive Disorder ◽

Survey Results ◽

And Coping

Background: The main aim was to examine changes in coping strategies, anxiety and depression in obsessive–compulsive and schizophrenia patients during COVID-19, in addition to controlling the influence of intolerance to uncertainty and experiential avoidance. Method: The first time, the study comprised (15–30 April 2020) 293 patients, 113 of whom were diagnosed with obsessive–compulsive disorder, 61 with schizophrenia and 119 healthy controls, aged 13–77 years (M = 37.89, SD = 12.65). The second time (15–30 November), the study comprised 195 participants (85 obsessive–compulsive patients, 42 schizophrenic patiens and 77 healthy controls participants). The evaluation was carried out through an online survey. Results: The clinical groups worsened over time in cognitive coping, anxiety and depression, while the control group only worsened in depression. Intergroup differences in anxiety, depression and coping strategies were maintained, highlighting the use of some maladaptive strategies (avoidance, spiritual) in clinical groups. Experiential avoidance and tolerance for uncertainty mainly affected coping. Conclusions: The duration of COVID-19 not only produced changes in anxiety and depression in clinical groups but also in coping strategies to face this pandemic and its consequences.

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Satisfaction with Life: Mediating Role in the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms

Healthcare ◽

10.3390/healthcare9070787 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 787

Author(s):

Daniela Almeida ◽

Diogo Monteiro ◽

Filipe Rodrigues

Keyword(s):

Life Satisfaction ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Coping Mechanisms ◽

Significant Positive Association ◽

Mediating Role ◽

The Relationship

The purpose of this study was to analyze the mediating role of life satisfaction in the relationship between fourteen coping strategies and depressive symptoms in the Portuguese population. To undertake this work, 313 Portuguese adults aged 18 to 70 years (M = 30.73; SD = 10.79) were invited to participate in this study. Their participation was completely voluntary, and participants granted and signed informed consent previously to the filling of the validated Portuguese questionnaires. These questionnaires measured depressive symptoms, coping, and life satisfaction. The results revealed that life satisfaction displayed a mediating role in the relationship between adaptive coping mechanisms, specifically between active coping, planning, reinterpretation, and acceptance and depressive symptoms, showing a negative and significant indirect effect. Maladaptive coping mechanisms of self-blame, denial, self-distraction, disengagement, and substance use had a significant positive association with depressive symptoms, considering the mediating role of satisfaction with life. Current investigation provides initial evidence of how each coping mechanism is associated with satisfaction with life and depressive symptoms. This study clearly demonstrates that not all coping strategies are capable of influencing well-being indicators and that health professionals should focus on endorsing those that are significantly associated with lowering depressive symptoms and increasing overall satisfaction with life.

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Coping strategies among medical professionals during COVID-19 outbreak

INDIAN JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH AND NEUROSCIENCES ◽

10.32746/10.32746/ijmhns.2021.v4.i1.43 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 4 (01) ◽

pp. 28-33

Author(s):

Vaishali Shanmugam

Keyword(s):

Coping Strategies ◽

Online Survey ◽

Coping Styles ◽

Well Being ◽

Sociodemographic Factors ◽

Medical Professionals ◽

Stressful Situation ◽

Sociodemographic Variables ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Brief Cope

BACKGROUND: COVID -19 pandemic is a very stressful situation for doctors, who face the risk of infection in daily life. Coping is the process by which a person deals with stressful situations or demands. Identifying the coping strategies of our medical professionals will help us to understand their coping styles and to deliver effective interventions to enhance their mental well-being. METHODS: An online survey form with socio-demographic profile and BRIEF COPE tool for assessing different coping strategies was sent to interns, residents, and teaching faculty. The coping strategies were divided into emotion-based, problem-based, and dysfunctional coping, and spearman's correlation was done to determine any correlation between sociodemographic variables and the coping strategies. RESULTS: A total of 84 valid and complete responses were included in the study. There is a variable distribution of mean scores for problem-focused, emotion-focused, and dysfunctional strategies. Age and marital status had a positive correlation with problem-focused and emotion-focused strategies meaning that older adults and married people used these strategies predominantly. Higher designation used problem-focused coping predominantly. Dysfunctional coping strategies had no correlation with any of the sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic factors affecting the coping mechanisms in medical professionals differ from those of the general population seen in previous studies. Within the group of medical professionals, those with higher age, higher designation and married had predominantly adaptive strategies. Interventions targetting maladaptive components of emotion-focused strategies and dysfunctional strategies should be aimed at a younger age group, unmarried people, interns, and residents among the medical professionals to better cope with this COVID scenario.

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Are Coping Strategies with Well-Being in Deaf and Blind Parents Related?

European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education ◽

10.3390/ejihpe11040102 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 1422-1439

Author(s):

Maria Luisa Indiana ◽

Elisabetta Sagone ◽

Salvatore Luciano Orazio Fichera

Keyword(s):

Social Support ◽

Life Satisfaction ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Self Efficacy ◽

Satisfaction With Life ◽

Well Being ◽

Sensory Loss ◽

Future Research ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Deaf Parents

The main purpose of this cross-sectional study, carried out with deaf parents and blind parents, is to analyze the association of coping strategies, life satisfaction, well-being, and generalized self-efficacy, compared to a group of parents without a sensory loss. The Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, Satisfaction with Life, Generalized Self-efficacy, and Psychological Well-Being scales were applied. Results indicate that: (1) deaf parents and blind parents search for social support, use avoidance, and turn to religion more than those without a sensory loss; (2) deaf parents are more satisfied with life than blind parents and those without a sensory loss; (3) deaf parents and blind parents perceive themselves as less efficacious than those without a sensory loss; (4) deaf parents and blind parents report lower psychological well-being (autonomy and personal growth) than those without a sensory loss, except for self-acceptance. Searching for social support and turning to religion are negatively associated with life satisfaction in deaf parents and those without a sensory loss; further, these coping strategies (together with avoidance) affect the psychological well-being of deaf parents and parents without a sensory loss. Future research could investigate deeper into the effects of these dimensions on well-being and the styles of parenting in these families.

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Dealing With the Pandemic of COVID-19 in Portugal: On the Important Role of Positivity, Experiential Avoidance, and Coping Strategies

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647984 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Maria José Ferreira ◽

Rui Sofia ◽

David F. Carreno ◽

Nikolett Eisenbeck ◽

Inês Jongenelen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psychological Distress ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Experiential Avoidance ◽

Online Survey ◽

Critical Role ◽

Well Being ◽

Coping With Stress ◽

Self Blame ◽

And Coping

The global COVID-19 pandemic crisis has caused an unprecedented impact on most areas of people’s lives. Thus, framed within the scope of Existential Positive Psychology (PP2.0), this study aimed at assessing the psychological distress of adults living in Portugal during the first national lockdown, how they are coping with stress, as well to contribute to a deeper understanding about the role that positivity, experiential avoidance, and coping strategies have in psychological distress and well-being. For this purpose, 586 Portuguese adults (73% females) ranging between 18 and 78 years old (M = 38.96, SD = 12.20) completed an online survey during the initial phase of the pandemic crisis in Portugal. Findings suggest that experiential avoidance was the strongest predictor of a negative response (depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and negative emotions), whereas positivity was a better predictor of psychological well-being and lower levels of depression. Additionally, self-blame, behavioral disengagement, and emotional venting were strong risk factors for psychological distress, whereas positive reframing, planning, and acceptance were associated with more positive outcomes. These findings highlight the critical role of experiential avoidance on individuals’ psychological distress and the essential contribution of positive life orientation in promoting flourishing. By offering a better understanding of the complex navigation through the dialectics between positive and negative life features, this study provides important and useful cues for psychological interventions directed at promoting a more positive and adaptive human functioning even through such potential adverse and painful life events.

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