https://doi.org/10.1177/0020764020961790 International Journal of Social Psychiatry 1–10 © The Author(s) 2020 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/0020764020961790 journals.sagepub.com/home/isp E CAMDEN SCHIZOPH Introduction Psychosocial responses to infectious disease outbreaks have the potential to inflict acute and longstanding mental health consequences (Van Bortel et al., 2016). To reduce psychological distress, individuals can utilise a range of coping strategies. Some coping styles are ineffective and may exacerbate mental health problems while other cop- ing styles may be effective at mitigating the nature and impact of these psychological responses. A better under- standing of the psychosocial responses across the commu- nity and beneficial coping strategies are crucial to manage the current pandemic optimally, as well as develop mental health response plans for future pandemics. Evidence from previous infectious disease outbreaks, including the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the 2009/2010 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and the 2012 Middle East respiratory syndrome reveal variable psychological symptoms including anxiety, fear, depres- sion, anger, irritability, helplessness, grief and loss (Chew et al., 2020). The psychological consequences of infectious Coping styles and mental health in response to societal changes during the COVID-19 pandemic Caroline Gurvich 1 , Natalie Thomas 1 , Elizabeth HX Thomas 1 , Abdul-Rahman Hudaib 1 , Lomash Sood 1 , Kali Fabiatos 1 , Keith Sutton 2 , Anton Isaacs 2 , Shalini Arunogiri 1 , Gemma Sharp 1 and Jayashri Kulkarni 1 Abstract Background: Psychosocial responses to infectious disease outbreaks have the potential to inflict acute and longstanding mental health consequences. Early research across the globe has found wide ranging psychological responses to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding how different coping styles can be effective in mitigating mental ill health would enable better tailored psychological support. Aims: The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of psychosocial responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including depression, anxiety and distress, as well as effective coping styles in an Australian sample. Method: A sample of 1,495 adults, residing in Australia between April 3rd and May 3rd 2020, completed an online survey which measured psychological distress (Impact of Events Scale-Revised), depression, anxiety, stress (DASS-21), as well as coping strategies (Brief COPE). Results: 47% of the respondents were experiencing some degree of psychological distress. Females experienced higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress than males. Coping strategies associated with better mental health were positive reframing, acceptance and humour. Conversely, self-blame, venting, behavioural disengagement and self-distraction were associated with poorer mental health. Conclusion: Rates of psychological symptoms amongst the Australian population are similar to those reported in other countries. Findings add to the growing literature demonstrating a gender disparity in the mental health impacts of COVID-19. Positive emotion focused coping strategies may be effective for reducing psychological symptoms. Understanding psychosocial responses including beneficial coping strategies are crucial to manage the current COVID-19 situation optimally, as well as to develop mental health response plans for future pandemics. Keywords COVID-19, depression, anxiety, mental health, coping 1 Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Central Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia 2 Department of Rural Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Corresponding author: Caroline Gurvich, Central Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, 4/607 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia. Email: caroline.gurvich@monash.edu 961790ISP 0 0 10.1177/0020764020961790International Journal of Social PsychiatryGurvich et al. research-article 2020 Original Article