Modelling the relationship between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies to understand overwhelming distress: A Bayesian network approach

Helen Stallman; Denise Beaudequin; Daniel Hermens; Daniel Eisenberg

doi:10.1016/j.jadr.2020.100054

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Modelling the relationship between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies to understand overwhelming distress: A Bayesian network approach

Journal article

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Modelling the relationship between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies to understand overwhelming distress: A Bayesian network approach

Helen Stallman, Denise Beaudequin, Daniel Hermens and Daniel Eisenberg

Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, Vol.3, pp.1-7

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadr.2020.100054

Appears in Thompson Institute Research Collection

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Abstract

depression

suicide

coping

mental illness

Health Theory of Coping

Suicide prevention

Thompson Institute Special Collection

UniSC Diversity Area - Disability and Inclusion

Background: People use healthy and unhealthy coping strategies to reduce distress. Understanding the relationship between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies and overwhelming distress is essential to inform formulation and intervention. This study explored the interdependencies between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies using Bayesian network (BN) modelling, a robust risk assessment tool. Methods: 509 college students (Mean age = –22.9 years; 66% Female) completed a web-based survey of psychological distress, mental illness, and coping in 2018–19. BN models were used to explore the interplay of healthy and unhealthy coping strategies driven by psychological distress (at extremely low, moderate, or extremely high levels). Result: At extremely low distress, self-soothing and social support were the most likely coping strategies used. At moderate levels, there was an increased likelihood of using professional support, as well as the increasing use of all unhealthy coping groups of strategies. At extremely high levels of distress, all unhealthy coping strategies were used frequently, including suicidality; however, healthy coping strategies were also used often. Conclusions: These findings support a coping continuum model, from low intensity or low harm to high intensity and high harm, with a high degree of accuracy. Importantly, it shows that overwhelming distress does not necessarily occur in the absence of healthy coping strategies. Furthermore, unhealthy coping strategies are increasingly adopted when healthy strategies are inadequate or unavailable. These findings raise important implications for healthcare targets for people in distress.

Details

Title: Modelling the relationship between healthy and unhealthy coping strategies to understand overwhelming distress: A Bayesian network approach
Authors: Helen Stallman (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Denise Beaudequin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Daniel Hermens (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Thompson Institute
Daniel Eisenberg (Author) - University of Michigan
Publication details: Journal of Affective Disorders Reports, Vol.3, pp.1-7
Publisher: Elsevier
Date published: 2021
DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2020.100054
ISSN: 2666-9153
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99495408102621
Output Type: Journal article

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