2020 COVID-19-Related Lockdown: the Relationships Between Coping Strategies, Psychological Adjustment and Resilience Among a Non-clinical Sample of British Adults

Abstract

To curb COVID-19 infections, the British government enforced a series of lockdowns resulting in restrictions on movement and socialisation. This study assessed which groups may have been at higher risk of emotional distress among a non-clinical sample of British adults. It also examined which coping strategies, if any, related to more positive psychological adjustment and higher resilience scores. A cross-sectional, correlational study was carried out. Using a convenience sample, an online survey was conducted in April-June 2020. One hundred ninety-four participants completed the Brief COPE (coping), the GAD-7 (anxiety), the PHQ-9 (depression), the CD-RISC (resilience), and provided demographic information. Participants used mainly coping strategies considered to be adaptive. They exhibited mild/moderate anxiety and depression symptoms, and moderate resilience scores. However, some individuals displayed significantly higher distress symptoms and lower resilience scores than others, especially those aged under 35 (particularly 18-24), those not working, those who were single and/or childless. Results also show that coping strategies including substance use, behavioural disengagement and self-blame were associated with anxiety and/or depression symptoms, conversely, positive reframing related to lower anxiety symptomatology. Interventions promoting positive reframing may be helpful. Similarly, interventions promoting connection to others, a factor known to enhance resilience, may be beneficial. This is particularly relevant to groups who may be more at risk of psychological distress, such as young individuals.

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“…Understanding the coping mechanisms and strategies for a community can enhance efforts to improve resilience in the face of difficult situations [ 34 ] and the gaps that need to be addressed for future crises. Understanding the experiences and impact (specifically the coping style) within a specific cultural context allows for an untangling of the factors associated with experience and mental health [ 19 ], which can facilitate the development and evaluation of effective interventions [ 34 ]. There is a need to understand the changes that occur in the tightening or loosening of social norms and changes in the risk of disease [ 33 ].…”

“…Understanding the coping mechanisms and strategies for a community can enhance efforts to improve resilience in the face of difficult situations [34] and the gaps that need to be addressed for future crises.…”

“…Understanding the experiences and impact (specifically the coping style) within a specific cultural context allows for an untangling of the factors associated with experience and mental health [19], which can facilitate the development and evaluation of effective interventions [34]. There is a need to understand the changes that occur in the tightening or loosening of social norms and changes in the risk of disease [33].…”