Coping in the time of COVID-19: Mindsets and the stories we tell
Journal of Applied Social Psychology
; 53(2):153-165, 2023.
Article
in English
| APA PsycInfo | ID: covidwho-2251611
ABSTRACT
Across two studies (N = 803), we explored how meaning-making systems (i.e., mindsets and narrative identity) are related to each other as well as to coping in the wake of challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Study 1, we find that struggle-is-enhancing, relative to struggle-is-debilitating, mindsets predicted stories defined by elements of personal control with opportunities for growth (agency) and an emphasis on the positive, rather than on the suffering (redemptive). Stronger enhancing mindsets and agentic as well as redemptive narratives predicted more adaptive coping, including less negative affect, less avoidance, and positive expectations for future success. In Study 2, we replicated these fundamental findings and explored relations with wellbeing. Struggle-is-enhancing, relative to debilitating, mindsets related to greater wellbeing as did agency and redemptive stories. Overall, creating meaning from struggle, crafting tales with more positive themes, and using active coping show promise for future work focused on enhancing social, emotional, and psychological wellbeing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)
Coping behavior; COVID-19; mindsets; emotional and psychological wellbeing; narratives, *Age Differences, *Coping Behavior, *Narratives, *Well Being, Mindset, Physical & Somatic Disorders [3290], Human, Male, Female Childhood (birth-12 yrs), Preschool Age (2-5 yrs), School Age (6-12 yrs), Adolescence (13-17 yrs), Adulthood (18 yrs & older), Young Adulthood (18-29 yrs), us
Full text:
Available
Collection:
Databases of international organizations
Database:
APA PsycInfo
Language:
English
Journal:
Journal of Applied Social Psychology
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS