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Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Coping in the Time of COVID-19: A Longitudinal Assessment

Author

Listed:
  • Whitney M. Herge
  • Emily B. Gale
  • Emily J. Stapleton
  • Ashley Ofori
  • Kiley F. Poppino
  • Shelby P. Cerza
  • Daniel J. Sucato

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) experienced by individuals in response to COVID-19; to identify which coping strategies individuals employed in response to the pandemic; and to understand the relationship between COVID-19 stress and PTSS over time. Adult participants were assessed at three timepoints over the course of approximately 8 months. Between 13% and 15% of participants endorsed high levels of PTSS at Time 1, indicative of likely PTSD. Participants endorsed using a variety of coping strategies with moderate frequency at Time 1, including self-distraction, active coping, positive reframing, planning, acceptance, and religion. Longitudinally, Time 1 COVID-19 stress was found to predict the development of Time 3 PTSS. This relationship was partially mediated by Time 2 behavioral disengagement. Additionally, acceptance was identified as a moderator of the relationship between Time 1 COVID-19 stress and Time 3 PTSS, in an unexpected direction.

Suggested Citation

  • Whitney M. Herge & Emily B. Gale & Emily J. Stapleton & Ashley Ofori & Kiley F. Poppino & Shelby P. Cerza & Daniel J. Sucato, 2024. "Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms and Coping in the Time of COVID-19: A Longitudinal Assessment," SAGE Open, , vol. 14(1), pages 21582440231, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:14:y:2024:i:1:p:21582440231221323
    DOI: 10.1177/21582440231221323
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    Keywords

    COVID-19; pandemic; PTSS; PTSD; coping;
    All these keywords.

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