Can Coping Mediate the Relationship Between Stress and Mental Distress in College Students?
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Authors
Graf, Tessa R.
Issue Date
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Psychology , College , Stress , Young Adulthood
Alternative Title
Abstract
Young adulthood and college are periods of heightened stress, including environmental
changes, lost or changing social support, novel and increasing academic pressures, and increased
personal responsibility (Brougham et al., 2009; Vaez & LaFlamme, 2008). Students are
struggling with the demands of college, and college-related stress has been found to be
associated with poor mental health (American College Health Association [ACHA], 2017;
Geslani & Gaebelein, 2013; Gupchup, Borrego, & Konduri, 2004; Klainin-Yobas, et al., 2014).
Coping plays an important role in how an individual manages stressors. The use of maladaptive
coping skills has been associated with depression, anxiety, and poorer grades in college students
(Folkman & Lazarus, 1985; Mahmoud et al., 2012; Zuckerman & Gagne, 2003). The current
study had participants complete a stress measure, coping use inventory, and mood and anxiety
questionnaire. The use of coping was examined as a mediator between stress and mental distress,
as measured by anxiety and depression. Preliminary analyses found that stress, depression, and
anxiety were significantly positively correlated with maladaptive coping skills (avoidance, self-punishment,
and substance use) and significantly negatively correlated with adaptive coping
skills (approach and accommodation). As per the mediation model, stress significantly predicted
anxiety and depression, as well as coping skills. Coping skills also significantly predicted
anxiety and depression. Additionally, coping was found to partially mediate the relationship
between stress and anxiety and depression.
Description
Citation
Publisher
Washburn University