Associations between stress, coping, and polysubstance use among emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Title: | Associations between stress, coping, and polysubstance use among emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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| Authors: | Jaume-Feliciosi N; Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.; Hurston JS; Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.; Benca-Bachman CE; Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.; Palmer RHC; Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA. |
| Source: | Journal of health psychology [J Health Psychol] 2026 Apr 03, pp. 13591053261434373. Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Apr 03. |
| Publication Model: | Ahead of Print |
| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Journal Info: | Publisher: Sage Publications Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9703616 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1461-7277 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 13591053 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Health Psychol Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Original Publication: London ; Thousand Oaks, CA : Sage Publications, 1996- |
| Abstract: | Emerging adults (18-25) experience disproportionate rates of substance use compared to other ages. They also experience a higher level of stress due to an increased need to become self-reliant. This study examines the effects of perceived and COVID-19 related stress on the use of coping strategies and polysubstance use. Participants (N = 117; mean age 19.9 years; 75% female; 32% White) were undergraduates from the MAPme Study. Data was collected during Fall 2020. Multiple regression and path analysis of self-report data from the ASSIST, Brief COPE, PSS, and EPII scales were conducted. Perceived stress was positively (β = 0.38, 95% CI [0.20, 0.57]) and negatively (β = -0.19 [-0.38, 0.001]) associated with avoidant and active coping, respectively. Avoidant coping was positively associated with polysubstance versus mono-substance use (β = 0.46, 95% CI [0.01, 0.91]. Findings indicate that avoidant coping strategies are associated with an escalation of substance and suggest that coping choice may minimize risk for engaging in polysubstance use. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: COVID-19; coping; polysubstance; stress; substance use |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20260404 Latest Revision: 20260404 |
| Update Code: | 20260404 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13591053261434373 |
| PMID: | 41933885 |
| Database: | MEDLINE |
Journal Article