Emotional Experiences and Their Connection With Coping Strategies During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Gender Differences

Abstract

The study was conducted in Ukraine during the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. The sample contained 232 individuals. The aim was to study emotional experiences and their connection with coping strategies in the context of gender differences. The research was based on the concept of differential emotions, and on the understanding of the accumulation strategies as a dynamic process, which is determined by personal prepositions and situational factors. Measures used in the study were the Differential Emotions Scale and the Ways of Coping Questionnaire. The growth of negative experiences and stress at the beginning of the pandemic among men and women was confirmed. We described the differences regarding emotions and coping strategies. Women use emotion-focused strategies of social support, strategies of positive reappraisal of the situation, and avoidance, the acceptance of responsibility among women is associated with negative emotions. We found that women more frequently use two or more coping strategies compared to men. A different emotional basis of coping strategies, expressed at high levels of tension among men and women, was revealed. The defined features of coping behavior among men and women may help to determine the main goals for the development of preventive and psychotherapeutic interventions.