Keefer, Kateryna V
Posttraumatic Growth During COVID19 in Students: The Roles of Coping, Trait Emotional Intelligence, and Perceived Social Support
The COVID19 pandemic produced negative outcomes, but also opportunities for post-traumaticgrowth (PTG). This mixed-methods study explored experiences of distress, coping, and growth, and the role of perceived social support and trait emotional intelligence (EI) in those outcomes. Undergraduates (N = 732) completed self-report measures of negative life events, emotional distress, PTG, trait EI, coping, and perceived social support, as well as open-ended questions about any positive impacts of the pandemic. Moderate level of PTG was reported, especially in the appreciation of life domain. Distress and PTG were weakly or non-significantly correlated, indicating these outcomes are distinct and can co-exist. Perceived social support and trait EI (Interpersonal, Adaptability) predicted greater PTG, and Trait EI (Intrapersonal, Stress Management) predicted lower distress. These effects were partially mediated by coping. Five themes emerged through qualitative analysis: Social Connectedness, New Opportunities, Appreciation of Life, Helpful Strategies, and Income and Financial Supports.
Author Keywords: Coping, COVID19, Perceived Stress, Posttraumatic Growth, Social Support, Trait Emotional Intelligence