Coping profiles and differences in well‐being during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A latent profile analysis

Abstract

During the current COVID‐19 pandemic, people need to cope with multiple stressors which may affect their well‐being. This study aimed (1) to identify latent coping profiles in the German general population, and (2) to investigate differences between these profiles in well‐being. In total, N = 2326 German participants were recruited as part of the European Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ESTSS) ADJUST study from June to September 2020 using an online survey. Coping strategies were assessed using the Brief‐COPE and the Pandemic Coping Scale; well‐being was assessed using the WHO‐5 Well‐Being Index. Coping profiles were identified using latent profile analysis; differences between profiles were examined using the automatic BCH method and multiple group analyses. Five coping profiles were identified that included different types and numbers of coping strategies: (1) High functional coping (17.84%), (2) Moderate functional coping (40.63%), (3) High functional and religious coping (9.07%), (4) Low functional coping (22.06%), (5) Moderate functional and dysfunctional coping (10.40%). The identified profiles significantly differed in well‐being ( χ 2 = 503.68, p <0.001). Coping profiles indicating high functional coping were associated with greater well‐being compared to coping profiles indicating low ( χ 2 = 82.21, p <0.001) or primarily dysfunctional ( χ 2 = 354.33, p <0.001) coping. These results provide insight into how people differ in their coping strategies when dealing with stressors in an early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic. The study indicates higher levels of well‐being in coping profiles with more frequent use of functional strategies. To promote well‐being in the general population, it might be beneficial to train functional coping strategies in appropriate interventions that are associated with increased well‐being.

Identification of psychological flexibility and inflexibility profiles during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…A study of coping profiles in a German community sample ( n = 2326) during the first COVID‐19 lockdown identified a “highly functional” profile that was similar to the highly flexible profile found in the present study (Kenntemich et al, 2022). LPAs were conducted on data collected from generic and pandemic purpose‐built coping scales.…”

Coping with work–nonwork stressors over time: A person-centered, multistudy integration of coping breadth and depth.

“…Scholars have explored profiles of coping with acute stressors, such as psychological contract breach and sexual harassment, sports competitions, and cancer diagnosis (Achnak & Vantilborgh, 2021; Cortina & Wasti, 2005; Hasselle et al, 2019; Kim et al, 2021; Martinent & Nicolas, 2016; McDermott et al, 2019) and chronic stressors related to workplace, health, or academic problems (Amai & Hojo, 2022; Burns et al, 2022; Cruz & Nagy, 2024; Freese et al, 2018; Freire et al, 2018; Vitaliano et al, 1990). Other studies examined coping tendencies, irrespective of stressors (Doron et al, 2013, 2015; Eisenbarth, 2012; Herres, 2015; Kavčič et al, 2022; Kenntemich et al, 2023; J. D. Livingston et al, 2022; Mauno et al, 2014; Okafor et al, 2016).…”

‘With a Little Help from My Friends’: Emotional Intelligence, Social Support, and Distress during the COVID-19 Outbreak

“…While the WHO has defined the pandemic as a serious health threat [1], its main detrimental outcomes are social, economic, and psychological rather than physical [2]. Consequently, mental health and well-being have become major topics of discussion [3][4][5]. Ample evidence shows individuals and groups have paid a heavy emotional and psychological toll, with distress and other negative psychological outcomes commonly reported (e.g., [1]).…”