Coping profiles across adulthood: findings from a 3-wave longitudinal study using latent profile transition analysis
Colin T Henning1, Amy Van Elswyk1, Laura J Summerfeldt1
1Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, Canada.
Anxiety, Stress, and Coping
|December 3, 2025
Summary
This study identified three stable coping profiles: Engaged, Avoidance-Oriented, and Disengaged. Understanding these coping patterns is crucial for predicting life outcomes and informing personalized mental health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Health and Well-being
- Coping Mechanisms
Background:
- Traditional coping research often overlooks within-person strategy interactions and their temporal changes.
- A person-centered approach is needed to understand diverse coping patterns and their impact on health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct coping profiles based on interactions between coping strategies.
- To examine the temporal stability of these identified coping profiles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 1,372 Canadians surveyed over 5 years.
- Employed Latent Profile Transition Analysis (LPTA) to identify and assess profile stability.
Main Results:
- Three distinct coping profiles emerged: Engaged, Avoidance-Oriented, and Disengaged.
- All profiles demonstrated significant stability across the study period.
- Engaged coping proved to be the most stable over time.
Conclusions:
- Findings support a person-centered approach to coping research.
- Identified profiles can help identify individuals at risk for adverse life outcomes.
- This research provides a foundation for tailored mental health support.
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