Navigating Psychotrauma: The Role of Perceived Social Support in Coping Strategies Among Young Adults

Introduction

The present study aimed to examine the role of experience of psycho-trauma and perceived social support in the coping strategies of young adults. Moreover, it aimed to determine the role of demographic variables such as gender, age, education of respondents, paternal and maternal education, occupation, income, and nature of trauma experienced across the study variables.

Methods

The study utilized a quantitative cross-sectional survey design to examine the role of psycho-trauma, perceived social support, and coping strategies among 352 young adults aged between 18 and 28 years from Pakistan and Afghanistan (Islamabad and Jalalabad, respectively). Participants were selected through convenience sampling from various public and private universities. Data were collected using standardized instruments, including the Brief Trauma Questionnaire (BTQ), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory.

Results

Results showed significant findings regarding the relationships between psycho-trauma, perceived social support, and coping strategies among a sample of 352 young adults. Inferential statistics revealed substantial negative correlations between psycho-trauma and both perceived social support (r = -0.18, p < 0.01) and problem-focused coping (r = -0.21, p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that psycho-trauma explained 19% of the variance in coping strategies, while perceived social support accounted for 29%. Gender differences were observed, with men scoring higher on problem-focused coping (t = 4.66, p < 0.02) and women scoring higher on emotion-focused coping (t = 3.12, p < 0.00).

Conclusion

The study also highlighted significant differences based on trauma experiences, education levels, and parental education and occupation, underscoring the complex interplay between these factors and their impact on young adults coping mechanisms. Study implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research have also been discussed.