A stress-coping analysis of 'stranded' Australians seeking repatriation during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic declared in early 2020 led to the closure of Australia's international borders and the stranding of thousands of Australians overseas. We surveyed "stranded" Australians pre- and post-repatriation to evaluate their stress-coping responses at the time and the longer-term impacts of their experience.MethodStranded Australians (n = 587; 18-70 years of age; M = 40.15, SD = 11.90) completed a survey measuring COVID-19 impact, stressor appraisal and coping strategy, and psychological adjustment, and 203 of them completed a follow-up survey of psychological adjustment and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms post-repatriation.ResultsPath analysis showed that "primary" appraisals of the repatriation situation (i.e. as a threat or challenge) were positively associated with negative affect, use of avoidant coping, and poorer psychological adjustment. Although the follow-up survey revealed improvements in psychological adjustment, initial use of avoidant coping was associated with higher levels of PTSD post-repatriation.ConclusionPrimary appraisals and avoidant coping were associated with poorer psychological adjustment and longer-term PTSD symptomatology. The results highlight the need for ongoing mental health support for repatriated Australians and call for higher prioritisation of practical and mental health support in the event of future border closures. What is already known about this topic: Australians were stranded overseas in large numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic due to a combination of border closures, restrictions on travel, and limited availability of repatriation flights."Stranded" Australians received limited practical, informational, and health-related support from the Australian Government while awaiting repatriation.Little is known about the stressors faced by stranded Australians, the psychological impact of these stressors, the coping strategies they employed at the time, and the longer-term relevance of these strategies for their psychological functioning upon returning to Australia.What this topic adds: Results showed that over a third of stranded Australians reported "severe" to "extreme" levels of psychological adjustment problems both pre and post repatriation.Worse outcomes were seen in stranded Australians who appraised their repatriation situation as a threat or challenge and who engaged in avoidant coping in response.The results highlight the need for ongoing mental health support for repatriated Australians and call for higher prioritisation of practical and mental health support in the event of future border closures.