Coping Strategies and Life Satisfaction among Romanian Emerging Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Delia Ștefenel, Jose-Michael Gonzalez, Silviu Rogobete and Raluca Sassu
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Delia Ștefenel: Faculty of Social and Humanities, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania
Jose-Michael Gonzalez: Department of Psychology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT 5151, USA
Silviu Rogobete: Faculty of Political Science, Philosophy and Communication Sciences, West University of Timișoara, 300223 Timișoara, Romania
Raluca Sassu: Human Behaviour and Development Research Lab, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, 550024 Sibiu, Romania

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 5, 1-12

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to understand coping mechanisms among Romanian youth in their response to institutional COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Data were collected from emerging adults (N = 214), aged 18–29, enrolled in various fields of study throughout a public university in Romania. Adopted versions of the Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences Scale (Brief-COPE, Carver, 1997) and Satisfaction with Life Scales (SLWS, Diener et al., 1985) were administered to explore the impact of the specific social distancing and isolation enforced pandemic restrictions. Findings elucidate the response styles, impact of coping skills, and strategies employed by students toward their well-being during stay-at-home courses. Results indicated that Romanian emerging-adults tend to use diverse strategies, but they use more disengagement, problem-focused coping, humor, socially supportive coping or religion, rather than denial, avoidant-focused coping or substance use, when faced with unprecedented situations during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss these findings framed in resilience as it relates to the positive youth psychology framework.

Keywords: coping strategies; satisfaction with life; emerging adults; COVID-19; Romania (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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