A1 Journal article (refereed)
Heterogeneous trajectories of perceived stress and their associations with active leisure : a longitudinal study during the first year of COVID-19 (2024)


Kulbin, K., Jõgi, A.-L., Pulver, A., & Kask, K. (2024). Heterogeneous trajectories of perceived stress and their associations with active leisure : a longitudinal study during the first year of COVID-19. Frontiers in Public Health, 12, Article 1327966. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1327966


JYU authors or editors


Publication details

All authors or editors: Kulbin, Karel; Jõgi, Anna-Liisa; Pulver, Aleksander; Kask, Kristjan

Journal or series: Frontiers in Public Health

eISSN: 2296-2565

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 09/05/2024

Volume: 12

Article number: 1327966

Publisher: Frontiers Media SA

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1327966

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/94853


Abstract

Introduction: There is a plethora of literature on the dynamics of mental health indicators throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, yet research is scarce on the potential heterogeneity in the development of perceived stress. Furthermore, there is a paucity of longitudinal research on whether active leisure engagement, which typically is beneficial in reducing stress, might have similar benefits during times of major disruption. Here we aimed to extend previous work by exploring the dynamics of change in stress and coping, and the associations with active leisure engagement over the first year of COVID-19.

Methods: Data from 439 adults (Mage = 45, SD = 13) in Estonia who participated in a longitudinal online study were analyzed. The participants were assessed at three timepoints: April–May 2020; November–December 2020; and April–May 2021.

Results: Mean stress and coping levels were stable over time. However, latent profile analysis identified four distinct trajectories of change in stress and coping, involving resilient, stressed, recovering, and deteriorating trends. Participants belonging to the positively developing stress trajectories reported higher active leisure engagement than those belonging to the negatively developing stress trajectories.

Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of adopting person-centered approaches to understand the diverse experiences of stress, as well as suggest the promotion of active leisure as a potentially beneficial coping resource, in future crises.


Keywords: COVID-19; stress (biological phenomena); leisure; work; well-being; well-being at work

Free keywords: perceived stress; coping; active leisure; person-centered approach; COVID-19 pandemic


Contributing organizations


Ministry reporting: Yes

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1


Last updated on 2024-15-05 at 12:41