Abstract

Objective: The roles of age and gender in coping with the threats of COVID-19 pandemic are studied. It is hypothesized that coping supporting characteristics, such as a sense of wellbeing and resilience, will be strengthened with age, while coping suppressing factors, such as psychological symptoms of anxiety and a sense of danger, will be weakened with age, and affected by gender of adults. Method: 1346 Israelis have responded to an internet questionnaire pertaining to these issues. Results: Results have generally supported the research hypotheses. Higher age groups have scored significantly lower than younger groups on levels of distress symptoms and perceived danger; and have scored higher than younger groups on wellbeing, individual resilience and community resilience. Men cope better than women with the threats of COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion: These findings support the socio-emotional theory which posits that older people are motivated to regulate their emotions in order to maintain high levels of wellbeing.