Coping in the Time of COVID-19: Buffering Stressors With Coping Strategies

Policies to reduce the spread of COVID-19 are negatively impacting the psychological well-being of the general population. This cross-sectional study explores the associations of coping strategies with symptoms of depression and anxiety among adults residing in the United States. Our results showed that participants who turned to religion were less depressed or anxious. Those engaging in substance use, behavioral disengagement, and seeking social support for emotional reasons had increased odds of feelings of depression and anxiety about the future. These findings can be used to tailor intervention and policy-making efforts to reduce the mental health toll in the general population.