Sociodemographic correlates of coping styles among the general population in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the different demographic variables and other social, and health-related factors, and the coping styles used by the general population in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study involving 5,514 participants was conducted online over two weeks. An online questionnaire was distributed among attendees of a public awareness campaign. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: (1) sociodemographic variables and questions exploring the physical and mental health of the participants, along with COVID-19 related questions, and (2) the Brief COPE questionnaire to identify the coping styles used by participants. The most frequently used adaptive styles involved religion, acceptance, and positive reframing. As for the maladaptive styles, self-distraction, venting, and self-blame were the most frequently used. Comparing the means of coping styles, participants older than 60 and female participants more frequently used religion, acceptance, positive reframing, and active coping, while participants younger than 35 and male participants reported more frequent use of instrumental support and humor. Younger participants used all maladaptive coping styles more frequently than older participants; male and female participants appeared to use different maladaptive coping styles. People with mental health conditions showed less frequent use of adaptive coping styles and more frequent use of maladaptive coping styles. The findings of this study show that multiple sociodemographic and health variables such as age, gender, and the presence of mental health conditions may influence the type of coping styles people use during a crisis. These findings could offer a better understanding of how the general public is coping with this unique situation. This may help mental health care workers and public health officials provide appropriate support at both individual and general population levels during this pandemic.