Introduction: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, feelings of social isolation, loneliness and stress increased. Coping styles are used to deal with stress. Theories suggest that social isolation...Show moreIntroduction: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, feelings of social isolation, loneliness and stress increased. Coping styles are used to deal with stress. Theories suggest that social isolation increases the use of non-adaptive coping styles and decreases the use of adaptive coping styles. This study explored whether these findings correspond to social isolation during COVID-19. Method: By using an online survey, social isolation and coping styles were measured among the general population (N= 202) in a cross-sectional study. The effect of social isolation on non-adaptive and adaptive coping styles was investigated using simple linear regression analyses. Results: Social isolation had a significant effect on nonadaptive coping styles in general and on the non-adaptive coping style withdrawal. The relationship between social isolation and adaptive coping styles was not significant. Discussion: The results are partly consistent with previous research and may provide insight into an association between social isolation and coping styles during COVID-19. Limitations of current research include a relatively small, homogenous sample and the design of the study. Recommendations for additional research are done.Show less
