Resilience And Coping: The Chicken and The Egg Paradox

INTRODUCTION: Since the outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus, healthcare workers found themselves on the front lines of an unprecedented battle. Being characterized by adversity, this experience represents a fertile ground for the study of resilience. OBJECTIVES: Our study aims to clarify the phenomenon of resilience through its influence on perceived stress level and its connection with coping strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 254 healthcare professionals in the region of Sousse during the pandemic. In addition to socio-demographic and professional characteristics, Resilience, perceived stress, and coping strategies were assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), the PSS10 scale, and the Brief Cope questionnaire, respectively. RESULTS: The overall mean [±standard deviation (SD)] age of the participants was 32.9 ± 8.76 years with a sex ratio (M / F) of 0.51. The assessment of resilience among participants revealed a mean score of 64.99 ± 14.72. The majority of participants evinced a score> 50 (82.68%) and 39.76% had a score >70. Our results revealed that, on the one hand, problem-focused coping strategies were positive predictors of resilience (p<10(-3)), accounting for 3.6% of its variance. On the other hand, coping strategies (problem-focused strategies and avoidance strategies) are also an integral part of the process by which resilience significantly influences the level of perceived stress (mediating factor). CONCLUSIONS: Despite its complexity, the relationship between resilience and coping strategies is undeniable and it is a part of an important line of intervention opening the way to better identifications and care. DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships.