Coping with stress in pandemic times: A booklet proposal

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major stressor. Emotional and behavioral self-regulation can change when there is a threat/challenge of the three basic psychological needs for competence, relatedness and autonomy. Psychological knowledge, especially the Motivational Theory of Coping, about processes of coping with stress and its consequences on physical and mental health supported the proposal of a booklet, aiming to assist in the health and well-being promotion. The material was assessed online by eight judges regarding their understanding of language, content and relevance. The final version had 16 pages, illustrated, organized in three topics: Introduction, Stress response identification and three tables with indications of “Difficulties”, “What to avoid”, “What can be done”, and space for notes. This translation of scientific knowledge into promotional and psychoeducational material can be useful for lay people and for use in health services, being available on social media.