Mental Health and Coping during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to better understand mental wellbeing, physical health, and coping of adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how previous experiences affect coping. Understanding how people feel and behave during this situation is important so that we can plan for both positive and negative outcomes, create appropriate resources, and prepare for events like this in the future.
Research Team
Dr. Sue Carter, Senior Research Scientist, The Kinsey Institute
Dr. Jacek Kolacz, Research Assistant Professor, Ohio State College of Medicine
Dr. Gregory Lewis, Assistant Research Scientist, The Kinsey Institute
Dr. Stephen Porges, Distinguished University Scientist;The Kinsey Institute
Research Publications
Kolacz, Jacek, Dale, Lourdes P., Nix, Evan J., Roath, Olivia K., Lewis, Gregory F., and Porges Stephen W. (2020). Adversity History Predicts Self-Reported Autonomic Reactivity and Mental Health in US Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 1119-1129. Open access. https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.577728
Porges, S. (2020). The COVID-19 Pandemic is a Paradoxical Challenge to Our Nervous System: A Polyvagal Perspective. Clinical Neuropsychiatry, 17 (2),131-134. Open access. PDF
News and Resources
"Anxiety over Coronavirus is normal: Here’s how to manage it." Indianapolis Star, March 26
"Experts recommend taking a break from stress, trauma." HoosierTimes.com, April 17.
"Talking physical and mental health with the Kinsey Institute's Gregory Lewis." On Topic podcast, May 2.