Associations between stress, coping, and polysubstance use among emerging adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Emerging adults (18-25) experience disproportionate rates of substance use compared to other ages. They also experience a higher level of stress due to an increased need to become self-reliant. This study examines the effects of perceived and COVID-19 related stress on the use of coping strategies and polysubstance use. Participants (N = 117; mean age 19.9 years; 75% female; 32% White) were undergraduates from the MAPme Study. Data was collected during Fall 2020. Multiple regression and path analysis of self-report data from the ASSIST, Brief COPE, PSS, and EPII scales were conducted. Perceived stress was positively (β = 0.38, 95% CI [0.20, 0.57]) and negatively (β = -0.19 [-0.38, 0.001]) associated with avoidant and active coping, respectively. Avoidant coping was positively associated with polysubstance versus mono-substance use (β = 0.46, 95% CI [0.01, 0.91]. Findings indicate that avoidant coping strategies are associated with an escalation of substance and suggest that coping choice may minimize risk for engaging in polysubstance use.