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

IU Signature