Coping profiles and their association with psychological functioning: A latent profile analysis of coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kavčič, Tina; Avsec, Andreja; Zager Kocjan, Gaja
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 185(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Coping -- Psychological functioning -- Person-centered approach -- Latent profile analysis; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111287
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: While many adversities affect limited groups of people, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a range of stressors to entire populations. Using a person-centered approach, this study analyzed the most frequent combinations of coping strategies used by general population during the first wave of the pandemic in a sample of 1347 Slovenian adults. Latent profile analysis identified three coping profiles similar to those found in previous studies in specific samples and stressful circumstances: the engaged profile (active coping, planning, acceptance, positive reframing), the disengaged profile (low problem-focused coping, social support, acceptance, positive reframing), and the avoidant profile (substance use, self-blame, humor). Individuals with the engaged profile reported the highest levels of well-being and the lowest levels of ill-being. While individuals with the avoidant profile had the highest levels of anxiety and stress, those with the disengaged profile had the lowest levels of well-being, especially engagement and positive relationships. The results imply the need to distinguish between the two less adaptive coping profiles, as one is characterized by the active use of dysfunctional strategies, and the other by the low use of all strategies, suggesting that psychological interventions should be tailored to these specificities. Highlights: Three latent coping profiles identified among adults during COVID-19 pandemic Engaged profile has high active coping, planning, acceptance and positive reframing Engaged coping profile shows highest well-being and lowest ill-being Disengaged profile is low in most coping strategies and highest in ill-being Avoidant profile is highest in avoidance strategies and lowest in well-being