Coping patterns associations with cognitive function in older adults.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Cognitive function influences how older adults manage chronic stress.
• Research on the link between coping strategies and cognitive function in older adults is limited.
• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unique stressors for this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between coping domains and cognitive function in middle-to-older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To examine the factor structure of coping strategies adapted for the pandemic context.

Main Methods:

• 165 middle-to-older adults completed clinical interviews and self-report health measures.
• Neuropsychological testing assessed memory, language, executive function, and working memory.
• Structural equation modeling analyzed coping strategy structures (Approach, Avoidance).

Main Results:

• An Approach factor (Problem-Solving, Emotion Regulation) and an Avoidance factor were identified.
• Higher Avoidance correlated with depression, lower income, and poorer performance in memory, executive function, working memory, and verbal fluency.
• Problem-Solving was linked to better verbal fluency; Emotion Regulation was not significantly associated with cognitive function.
• All coping strategies (Problem-Solving, Emotion Regulation, Avoidance) were associated with higher stress levels.
• Acceptance emerged as the only strategy associated with reduced stress.

Conclusions:

• Worse cognitive function in older adults was associated with increased use of Avoidance coping during the pandemic.
• Avoidance coping may prolong stress and negatively impact health in this population.
• Acceptance-based interventions could potentially reduce avoidance and mitigate stress impacts on health.