The role of coping strategies and support network in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and post-traumatic growth

Manuscript (ελληνικά)
Published: Apr 21, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/psy_hps.45296
Keywords:
COVID-19, university students, fear of COVID-19, post-traumatic growth, coping strategies, satisfaction with support network
Marianna Anagnostou
Economics and Sustainable Development/School of Environment, Geography and Applied Economics, Harokopio University of Athens
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1294-622X
Theodoros Giovazolias
Department of Psychology/School of Social Sciences, University of Crete
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9939-4737
Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic, combined with the rapid implementation of restrictive measures and uncertainty about the nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has drastically affected the daily lives of the population. Students are a highly vulnerable group who had to adapt quickly to the new measures and the following difficulties. The aim of the present study is to explore the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and post-traumatic growth, and the mediating role of coping strategies and support network in this relationship. In addition, it aims to explore the importance of satisfaction with the support network and to highlight the benefits of post-traumatic growth in the long term as a result of living through a traumatic experience. The research sample consisted of 229 undergraduate students who completed questionnaires assessing fear of COVID-19, satisfaction with support network, coping strategies for stressful situations, and post traumatic growth. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using the statistical programs SPSSv.21 and macro PROCESS (Hayes, 2013). The results showed that women experienced higher fear of COVID-19 compared to men, while at the same time experiencing higher post-traumatic growth. Finally, it appeared that fear of COVID-19 had an indirect effect on post-traumatic growth, both through seeking social support and problem solving as a coping, leading to higher levels of post-traumatic growth. The results of the present study can be used by University Student Counselling Centers at the level of individual and group counselling.

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