The effect of schizotypy and coping strategy on mental well-being during COVID19 lockdown in UK students

Background: Avoidant coping, characterised by substance use and lack of social support seeking, is strongly associated with psychiatric disorders More recently, high levels of avoidant coping in the presence of past adverse events has been linked to high schizotypy This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on relationship between schizotypy and coping in a UK University student sample Methods: Sixty-one young adults (mean age = 20 7, 85% female) were evaluated for schizotypy, coping, anxiety, and depression prior to the COVID19 pandemic inflicted lockdown in the UK (23/03/2020) They were subsequently re-recruited to assess key aspects of mental wellbeing one month after lockdown Results: Paired t-tests revealed a significant increase in depression levels, but not perceived stress or anxiety, one month after lockdown Dominant coping strategy (avoidant or approach) was not altered in response to lockdown Mediation analyses revealed that higher overall schizotypy was associated with higher, clinically relevant, levels of depression and this relationship was significantly mediated by the use of avoidant coping during but not prior to lockdown Secondary mediation analyses revealed this relationship being mostly driven by the Cognitive Disorganisation subscale Conclusion: This study indicates that during the Coronavirus lockdown in the UK individuals who used avoidant coping strategies and those with higher levels of schizotypy experienced higher levels of depression We suggest that introduction of individualised interventions and training to enhance the use of functional coping strategies may build resilience in those at risk of mental health problems faced with adversity