Association between coping resources and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study in the Czech Republic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused detrimental global consequences for public health, health-care systems, economies, and society in general. The Czech Republic was one of the most affected countries in the world regarding daily cases increases during the first waves of the pandemic. The present study investigates the association between coping resources, mental health and anxiety. We collected data (N = 476) via an online survey. A multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictors of mental health and anxiety. Mental health was significantly predicted by SOC, SONC, social support and trust in institutions. Anxiety was significantly predicted only by SOC and SONC. The study provides support for the salutogenic model of health and adds to the evidence that sense of coherence, that is, one’s ability to view life as comprehensible, manageable, and meaningful, is the most important coping resource in light of a major event, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.