Digital coping strategies of young people living with cognitive disabilities: using emotion-focused and problem-focused coping in digital relationships

Studies indicate that people living with cognitive disabilities face digital social challenges, i.e. challenges in digital interactions. However, few studies have focused on their coping strategies. To bridge this knowledge gap and facilitate constructive digital experiences with others, this study explores how young people living with cognitive disabilities cope with digital social challenges. The study used interviews, video-diaries and workshops with 25 young individuals (aged 14–27) living with cognitive disabilities. The data analysis revealed three main digital social challenges experienced by the study participants: harassment, exclusion and disturbance. Participants manage digital social challenges using emotion-focused coping: acceptance, avoidance and caution, and problem-focused coping: confrontation, blocking, constructing digital relationships and cooperation. We argue that young people living with cognitive disabilities can cope with digital social challenges if they are able to access problem-solving resources, social resources and social support from peers.