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Graduate Student Journal of Psychology
Spring 2024 - Vol. 22

Copyright 2024 by the Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology
Teachers College, Columbia University

Examining Coping Skills, Anxiety, and Depression 
Dynamics Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

Lauren Moment
Department of Psychology, University of Colorado, Denver

This cross-sectional study, conducted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, delves into the intricate connections be-
tween coping strategies and levels of anxiety and depression, presenting vital implications for medical, clinical, and 
broader societal contexts. As crises like the pandemic highlight the importance of adaptive coping, this investigation 
underscores the imperative to comprehend and address maladaptive coping strategies. The study utilized a diverse 
sample of 386 participants during the pandemic's peak, employing online platforms for recruitment and ensuring 
broad demographic representation. Data were collected through self-report measures, including the Patient Health 
Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) for depression and anxiety symptoms and the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems 
Experienced (COPE) inventory to assess coping skills across various domains. The coping skills assessment mea-
sured strategies such as Self-Distraction, Active Coping, Denial, Substance Use, Emotional and Instrumental 
Support, Behavioral Disengagement, Venting, Positive Reframing, Planning, Humor, Acceptance, Religion, and 
Self-Blame. The Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board prioritized and approved ethical considerations, 
and participants provided informed consent. Data analysis involved rigorous cleaning, recoding, and quantitative 
analysis using SPSS. Descriptive statistics, regression analyses, and correlation analyses were employed to uncover 
nuanced relationships between coping strategies and mental health outcomes, contributing to understanding the 
phenomena under investigation within the context of the pandemic. The findings highlight the pivotal role of 
individualized approaches and the potential of humor as an essential coping mechanism, emphasizing the need for 
tailored interventions during crises. 
 Keywords: pandemic, COVID-19, anxiety, depression, coping skills

 Coping skills have gained significant atten-
tion for their profound impact on psychologi-
cal well-being, particularly in the face of height-
ened stressors such as the ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic. This exploration delves into the intricate 
relationship between coping skills, depression, and 
anxiety, emphasizing critical studies that contribute 
to our understanding of these complex dynamics.
 The relationship between coping mechanisms and 
mental health outcomes, specifically depression and 
anxiety, has been extensively investigated. As the pan-
demic continues to present unprecedented challenges 
to global well-being, understanding the dynamics of 
coping in this context becomes crucial. The Transac-
tional Model of Stress and Coping provides a foun-
dational framework, emphasizing the dynamic na-
ture of the stress-coping process (Etchin et al., 2020). 
Yeşiloğlu et al. (2023) further classify coping strategies 
into problem-focused and emotion-focused, shed-
ding light on their distinct impacts on mental health.
 Adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies 
play pivotal roles in elucidating the nuanced rela-
tionships between coping mechanisms and mental 
health outcomes. Features of anxiety and depres-
sion may exhibit adaptive characteristics, emphasiz-
ing the need for an understanding of coping strate-
gies beyond a binary categorization (Morris, 2019).
 Adaptive coping is conceptualized as strategies facili-
tating effective stress management, enhancing resilience, 

and contributing to overall psychological well-being. 
Examples include seeking emotional and instrumental 
support, positive reframing, active problem-solving, 
and employing humor. These adaptive coping mecha-
nisms are considered beneficial in navigating challeng-
es and promoting mental health during times of crisis.
 In contrast, maladaptive coping is characterized by 
strategies that may exacerbate stress, contribute to symp-
tomatology, and hinder psychological resilience, includ-
ing self-blame, denial, substance use, and behavioral 
disengagement. Specific coping mechanisms may be con-
text-dependent, exhibiting adaptive or maladaptive qual-
ities based on circumstances and individual differences.
Coping Skills and Anxiety
 The interplay between coping skills and anxiety 
unravels the complexities of adaptive and maladaptive 
responses to stress, shedding light on the diverse strat-
egies individuals employ to manage anxious thoughts 
and emotions. Aldwin and Revenson (1987) have sig-
nificantly contributed to our comprehension of this 
relationship by establishing a correlation between ef-
fective coping strategies and reduced levels of anxiety.
 The effectiveness of adaptive coping strategies, 
particularly those focused on problem-solving, has 
been consistently demonstrated in alleviating symp-
toms associated with anxiety (Buffart et al., 2020). En-
gaging in active problem-solving empowers individu-
als to confront stressors directly, disrupting the cycle of 
anxious thoughts and fostering a sense of control over 



78

their circumstances. Conversely, maladaptive coping 
strategies, such as wishful thinking or avoidance, fuel 
the perpetuation of anxiety symptoms, emphasizing 
the importance of distinguishing between adaptive and 
maladaptive coping approaches (Carver et al., 1989).
Coping Skills and Depression
 The relationship between coping skills and depres-
sion has been a focal point in psychological literature. 
Maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance and 
rumination, consistently surface as significant contrib-
utors to the exacerbation of depressive symptoms (Al-
dao et al., 2010). Southward, Howard, and Cheavens 
(2023) conducted a comprehensive study highlighting 
the detrimental effects of maladaptive coping strate-
gies on mental health, particularly with depression.
 Avoidance mechanisms may prolong negative 
emotional experiences. Similarly, rumination, charac-
terized by repetitive and intrusive negative thinking, 
has been identified as a significant risk factor for the 
development and perpetuation of depressive symp-
toms over time (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1991). Addressing 
these maladaptive coping strategies is crucial for un-
raveling the complex dynamics underlying depression.
Coping During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 
Multifaceted Perspective
 Recent studies underscore the relevance of 
coping skills in navigating the challenges posed 
by significant life disruptions, such as the ongo-
ing COVID-19 pandemic. Research by Gurvich 
et al. (2021) and Holmes et al. (2020) emphasiz-
es the importance of effective coping mechanisms 
in fostering resilience during unprecedented times.
 In navigating the mental health implications 
of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals have been 
compelled to employ coping strategies to manage 
heightened anxiety levels. Research by Ogueji et al. 
(2021) on coping strategies in the United Kingdom 
during the pandemic provides valuable insights into 
the adaptive mechanisms individuals adopt to cope 
with the stressors unique to this global health cri-
sis. Similarly, the survey by Kar et al. (2021) delves 
into stress and coping during the pandemic, un-
derscoring the importance of effective coping in 
mitigating the psychological impact of the crisis.
 These studies, situated within the context of a 
global pandemic, serve as examples of the relevance 
and urgency of understanding coping skills, particu-
larly in managing anxiety during significant life disrup-

tions. They underscore the need to understand cop-
ing dynamics and the potential adaptation of coping 
mechanisms in response to unprecedented stressors.
Adaptive Coping as a Protective Factor
 In contrast to maladaptive coping, adaptive coping 
strategies emerge as protective factors in mitigating the 
impact of stress on mental health, particularly in the 
context of depression. Problem-solving, a fundamen-
tal component of adaptive coping, involves actively ad-
dressing stressors and employing constructive solutions 
to navigate challenges effectively (Compas et al., 2001).
 Another adaptive strategy, seeking social sup-
port, has been consistently associated with pos-
itive mental health outcomes. Compas et al. 
(2001) highlighted the protective effect of adap-
tive coping by linking problem-solving and social 
support-seeking with lower levels of depression.
Nuanced Roles of Coping Mechanisms
 The understanding of coping mechanisms and 
their roles in influencing mental health outcomes 
sets the stage for an exploration of the interplay be-
tween coping and depressive symptoms. Research 
has not only elucidated the distinct impact of mal-
adaptive and adaptive coping but has also empha-
sized the need for a holistic approach to intervention.
 The complexity of the relationship under-
scores the importance of tailoring therapeutic 
strategies to address individual coping profiles 
and their specific implications for mental health.
Exploring Coping Styles in Response to Societal 
Changes
 Gurvich et al. (2021) delve into the intricate dy-
namics of coping styles in response to societal changes 
during the pandemic. This study sheds light on indi-
viduals' coping strategies as societal norms change. 
The significance of this research lies in its contribu-
tion to our understanding of coping as a dynam-
ic and adaptive process that individuals engage in 
when faced with transformative societal challenges.
Diverse Populations and Coping Dynamics
 Studies conducted by Savitsky et al. (2020) have 
taken a comprehensive approach to explore coping 
during the pandemic across diverse populations. These 
investigations unravel the intricate interplay between 
coping strategies, mental health outcomes, and overall 
quality of life. By examining coping mechanisms across 
various demographic groups, these studies contribute 
to understanding how different population segments 

MOMENT



79

navigate stress and adversity during the pandemic.
Healthcare Workers: Coping on the Frontlines
 The study conducted by Rose et al. (2021) serves 
as an investigation into the coping mechanisms em-
ployed by healthcare workers, shedding light on the 
distinctive challenges faced by those on the frontlines 
of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare profession-
als, as frontline workers, navigate an array of stressors, 
including high work demands, exposure to the virus, 
and witnessing the impact of the pandemic on patients.
 Understanding the coping dynamics of health-
care workers is paramount for several reasons. 
Healthcare professionals are subjected to height-
ened levels of stress and emotional strain due to the 
nature of their work, potentially leading to burn-
out and mental health challenges (Shanafelt et al., 
2020). A study by Lai et al. (2020) highlights the 
prevalence of anxiety and depression among health-
care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, un-
derscoring the need for effective coping strategies.
 Moreover, the well-being of healthcare workers has 
broader implications for public health. An overbur-
dened and stressed healthcare workforce is more suscep-
tible to making errors, experiencing reduced job satis-
faction, and facing challenges in delivering high-quality 
patient care (West et al., 2018). Therefore, the psy-
chological health of healthcare workers is essential to 
maintaining a resilient and effective healthcare system.
 In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, 
understanding and addressing the mental health of 
healthcare workers has also become crucial for the 
broader community. The psychosocial well-being 
of healthcare professionals influences their abili-
ty to effectively manage the challenges posed by the 
pandemic, contributing to the overall resilience of 
the healthcare system (Kisely et al., 2020). As high-
lighted by Greenberg et al. (2020), the mental health 
of frontline workers is critical in ensuring a sus-
tained and robust response to public health crises.
Contributions to the Evolving Narrative
 These studies contribute to the evolving nar-
rative on coping during the COVID-19 pandem-
ic. These investigations provide an examination of 
coping from various angles, considering different 
populations and contexts, and emphasizing the dy-
namic nature of coping strategies. The current in-
vestigation strategically adopts a cross-sectional de-
sign to align with this complex landscape, capturing 

a timely snapshot of how coping strategies relate to 
anxiety and depression during the ongoing pandemic.
Hypotheses
1. Self-Distraction Hypothesis: Individuals who 
employ self-distraction as a coping mechanism (redi-
recting attention to activities) will exhibit lower levels 
of anxiety and depression compared to those who do 
not engage in this coping strategy.
2. Active Coping Hypothesis: Participants who pro-
actively address stressors through active coping strat-
egies will demonstrate lower anxiety and depression 
levels than individuals who lack operational coping 
tendencies.
3. Denial Hypothesis: Individuals who frequently 
resort to denial as a coping strategy (avoiding or refus-
ing to acknowledge stressors) will display higher levels 
of anxiety and depression compared to those who em-
ploy alternative coping mechanisms.
4. Substance Use Hypothesis: Participants who turn 
to substances as a coping mechanism will exhibit el-
evated levels of anxiety and depression compared to 
those who utilize alternative coping strategies.
5. Emotional Support Hypothesis: Individuals who 
seek emotional support (seeking empathy and under-
standing from others) will demonstrate lower anxiety 
and depression levels compared to those who do not 
actively pursue emotional support.
6. Instrumental Support Hypothesis: Participants 
who seek tangible assistance or advice (use instrumen-
tal support) as a coping strategy will exhibit lower lev-
els of anxiety and depression compared to those who 
do not engage in this coping mechanism.
7. Behavioral Disengagement Hypothesis: Individ-
uals who frequently withdraw from stressors through 
behavioral disengagement will display higher levels of 
anxiety and depression compared to those who em-
ploy alternative coping strategies.
8. Venting Hypothesis: Participants who express 
negative emotions through venting as a coping strate-
gy will demonstrate lower levels of anxiety and depres-
sion compared to individuals who do not engage in 
this coping mechanism.
9. Positive Reframing Hypothesis: Individuals 
who reinterpret stressors in a positive light through 
positive reframing will exhibit lower levels of anxiety 
and depression compared to those who do not employ 
this coping strategy.
10. Planning Hypothesis: Participants who engage 

EXAMINING COPING SKILLS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION



80

in planning and strategizing to overcome stressors will 
demonstrate lower anxiety and depression levels com-
pared to those who lack effective planning as a coping 
mechanism.
11. Humor Hypothesis: Individuals who find hu-
mor in challenging situations will exhibit lower levels 
of anxiety and depression compared to those who do 
not use humor as a coping strategy.
12. Acceptance Hypothesis: Participants who ac-
knowledge and accept stressors (acceptance as a cop-
ing strategy) will demonstrate lower levels of anxiety 
and depression compared to those who struggle with 
accepting stressors.
13. Religion Hypothesis: Individuals who turn to 
religious or spiritual beliefs as a coping mechanism 
will exhibit lower levels of anxiety and depression com-
pared to those who do not engage in religious coping 
strategies.
14. Self-Blame Hypothesis: Participants who take 
responsibility for stressors through self-blame will dis-
play higher levels of anxiety and depression compared 
to those who employ alternative coping mechanisms.

Methods
Study Design
 A cross-sectional design was employed to in-
vestigate the relationships among coping skills, anx-
iety, and depression. The selection of a cross-sec-
tional approach allowed the researcher to examine 
these variables simultaneously, providing a snapshot 
of their associations within a specific timeframe.
 The adoption of a cross-sectional design con-
ferred several distinct advantages to this investiga-
tion. It facilitated a thorough exploration of the dy-
namic interplay between coping skills, anxiety, and 
depression without necessitating a protracted ob-
servational period. This data collection and analysis 
efficiency is particularly noteworthy, enabling the re-
searcher to understand the relationships among these 
variables within a relatively condensed timeframe.
 The cross-sectional design further empowered 
the researcher to discern patterns and associations 
in real-time, capturing a momentary cross-section of 
participants' experiences and mental health dynam-
ics. By leveraging the advantages of the cross-sec-
tional approach, the study not only efficiently inves-
tigated the interconnections among coping skills, 
anxiety, and depression but also provided a timely 
and relevant depiction of these associations. This 

design choice reflects a pragmatic and effective 
methodological strategy, enhancing the study's ca-
pacity to contribute meaningful insights to the ex-
isting body of knowledge in mental health research.
Participants
 These data were collected during the Summer 
and Fall of 2020, the pinnacle of the COVID-19 
pandemic. A total of 386 participants contribut-
ed to this study by completing assessments related 
to coping skills, anxiety, and depression. The di-
verse participants ensured a broad representation 
of demographics and experiences (See Table 1).
Recruitment
 The study employed a recruitment strategy le-
veraging various online platforms such as Canvas, 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit. The re-
cruitment aimed to assemble a sample (N = 386) 
that met specific eligibility criteria, including be-
ing over 18 years old and proficient in English.
Measures and Coping Skills Assessment
 As part of the self-report measures, participants 
engaged with the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 
(PHQ-4), a succinct four-item tool designed to as-
sess symptoms of depression and anxiety over the 
preceding two weeks. The PHQ-4 utilized a scoring 
system to categorize responses, where a total score 
greater than or equal to three for the first two ques-
tions indicated anxiety and the same threshold for the 
last two questions suggested depression. Scores were 
further stratified into normal (0-2), mild (3-5), mod-
erate (6-8), and severe (9-12) categories, offering an 
understanding of participants' mental health status.
 Additionally, participants completed a coping 
skills inventory, a robust instrument known as the 
Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced 
inventory. This tool measured coping skills across 
various domains without employing reversals of cod-
ing. The following coping skills were assessed, each 
associated with specific items that were summed:

1. Self-Distraction (Items 1 and 19): Redirecting 
attention to activities to cope with stress.
2. Active Coping (Items 2 and 7): Proactively ad-
dress stressors.
3. Denial (Items 3 and 8): Avoiding or refusing to 
acknowledge stressors.
4. Substance Use (Items 4 and 11): Turning to 
substances as a coping mechanism.
5. Use of Emotional Support (Items 5 and 15): 

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81

Seeking empathy and understanding from others.
6. Use instrumental support (Items 10 and 23): 
Seeking tangible assistance or advice.
7. Behavioral Disengagement (Items 6 and 16): 
Withdrawing from stressors.
8. Venting (Items 9 and 21): Expressing negative 
emotions.
9. Positive Reframing (Items 12 and 17): Reinter-
preting stressors in a positive light.
10. Planning (Items 14 and 25): Strategizing to 
overcome stressors.
11. Humor (Items 18 and 28): Finding Humor in 
challenging situations.
12. Acceptance (Items 20 and 24): Acknowledg-
ing and accepting stressors.
13. Religion (Items 22 and 27): Turning to reli-
gious or spiritual beliefs.
14. Self-Blame (Items 13 and 26): Taking respon-
sibility for stressors.

 These coping skills, each measured by specif-
ic items, contributed to an understanding of par-
ticipants' strategies for dealing with stress and ad-
versity—the assessment aimed to uncover how 
individuals approach and navigate life challenges.
Procedures
 Ethical considerations were paramount in 
conducting this research, and the study received 
approval from the Colorado Multiple Institu-
tional Review Board (COMIRB). Participants pro-
vided informed consent before completing online 
surveys, a process overseen by the COMIRB (iden-
tification number 20-2870). The survey took ap-
proximately 30 minutes, thoroughly exploring par-
ticipants' coping mechanisms and mental health.
Data Analysis
 Quantitative data, exported from Qualtrics to SPSS 
v27, underwent a systematic analysis. Initial recording 
aligned responses with predefined scales, facilitating 
categorization and interpretation—rigorous cleaning 
and recoding followed to enhance data reliability and 
validity. Descriptive statistics provided an overview, 
including mean and standard deviations. Regression 
analyses explored variable relationships, identifying 
potential predictors. Correlation analyses delved into 
associations, unveiling patterns and interdependencies 
within the dataset. This analytical approach aimed to 
extract insights from the collected data, contributing to 
a robust understanding of the investigated phenomena.

Results
 The descriptive statistics and correlations for anx-
iety, depression, and various study variables were ex-
amined in a sample of 386 participants (see Table 2). 
The mean anxiety score was 4.83 (SD = 2.04), which 
is within the range of mild anxiety, and the mean de-
pression score was 4.72 (SD = 2.06), which is within 
the range of mild depression. Among the coping strat-
egies assessed, Self-Distraction exhibited a positive cor-
relation with anxiety (r = 0.23, p < .01) and a positive, 
albeit less substantial, correlation with depression (r 
= 0.15, p < .05). Active Coping, on the other hand, 
showed a negative correlation with both anxiety (r 
= -0.16, p < .05) and depression (r = -0.29, p < .01). 
 The Use of Emotional Support was negatively 
correlated with both anxiety (r = -0.18, p < .01) and 
depression (r = -0.34, p < .01), indicating that higher 
utilization of emotional support was associated with 
lower levels of anxiety and depression. Similar patterns 
were observed for the Use of Instrumental Support, 
with a negative correlation with depression (r = -0.28, 
p = < .01). Behavioral Disengagement demonstrated 
positive correlations with anxiety (r = 0.22, p < .01) 
and depression (r = 0.36, p < .01). Positive Reframing 
demonstrates a negative association with depression (r 
= -0.18,  p < .01), suggesting that individuals employ-
ing positive reframing may experience lower depres-
sion levels. Planning demonstrates a positive associa-
tion with anxiety (r = 0.27, p < .01) and depression (r 
= 0.23, p < .01). suggesting that individuals employing 
planning may experience higher anxiety and depres-
sion levels. Notably, Humor was strongly negatively 
correlated with both anxiety (r = -0.43, p < .01) and 
depression (r = -0.43, p < .01). Religion showed a neg-
ative correlation with depression (r = -0.18, p < .01), 
but no significant correlation with anxiety. Self-Blame 
displayed positive correlations with both anxiety (r = 
0.34, p < .01) and depression (r = 0.29, p < .01). The 
anxiety and depression scores were highly correlated 
(r = 0.65, p < .01), emphasizing a strong association 
between anxiety and depression within the sample.
 The regression analysis for anxiety (see Table 3) 
reveals several coping styles with significant associ-
ations. Notably, engaging in Humor (B = -0.51, β = 
-0.29, t = -4.42, p < .001) is strongly linked to lower 
anxiety levels. Additionally, Self-Blame (B = 0.35, β 
= 0.27, t = 3.36, p < .001) exhibits a positive associ-

EXAMINING COPING SKILLS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION



82

ation with anxiety, indicating that individuals em-
ploying Self-Blame as a coping mechanism are more 
likely to experience heightened anxiety. These rela-
tionships are robust, as reflected in the wide 95% con-
fidence intervals (CI) for both Humor (LL = 0.28, 
UL = 0.74) and Self-Blame (LL = 0.14, UL = 0.55), 
further supporting the reliability of these findings. 
 The regression analysis for depression (see Table 
4) also highlights significant coping styles. Behavioral 
Disengagement (B = 0.30, β = 0.253 t = 4.43, p < .001) 
is positively associated with depression, suggesting 
that individuals utilizing this coping mechanism may 
experience elevated depressive symptoms. In contrast, 
Humor (B = -0.44, β = -0.23, t = -4.10, p < .001) is 
negatively associated with depression, suggesting that 
individuals utilizing these coping mechanisms may 
experience lower depressive symptoms. The Use of 
Emotional Support (B = -0.19, β = -0.19, t = -2.68, p = 
0.008) and Religion (B = -0.20, β = -0.15, t = -2.35, p 
= 0.02) demonstrate negative associations with depres-
sion, indicating that these coping styles are linked to 
lower depressive symptoms. Conversely, Acceptance 
(B = 0.23, β = 0.17, t = 2.53, p = 0.01) is positively asso-
ciated with depression, suggesting that individuals uti-
lizing this coping mechanism may experience elevated 
depressive symptoms. The 95% CI for these signifi-
cant relationships further strengthens their validity.
 Several coping styles did not exhibit statistically 
significant associations with anxiety and depression. 
These include Self-Distraction, Active Coping, De-
nial, Substance Use, Use of Emotional Support, Use 
of Instrumental Support, Venting, Positive reframing, 
Planning, Acceptance, and Religion in the context 
of anxiety, as well as Self-Distraction, Active Coping, 
Denial, Substance Use, Use of Instrumental Support, 
Venting, Positive reframing, and Planning in the con-
text of depression. The lack of statistical significance 
suggests that these coping styles may not be directly 
linked to anxiety or depression in the studied popu-
lation, underscoring the diversity of coping mecha-
nisms individuals employ, and emphasizing the need 
for personalized approaches in clinical interventions. 
 The consideration of unstandardized coeffi-
cients (B), standardized coefficients (β), t-values, 
p-values, and 95% confidence intervals enhances the 
robustness and interpretability of these findings in 
the context of mental health outcomes. This analy-
sis provides an understanding of how specific coping 

styles relate to anxiety and depression, shedding light 
on both significant and non-significant associations. 

Discussion
 The multiple linear regression analyses yield cru-
cial insights into the intricate relationships between 
coping styles and anxiety and depression. Contextual-
izing these findings within the broader framework of 
significant life disruptions, such as those experienced 
during the COVID-19 pandemic and other catastroph-
ic events, is essential. Regarding coping styles and 
anxiety, Humor exhibits a negative association with 
anxiety levels, aligning with contemporary literature 
emphasizing its effectiveness as a stress-coping strategy 
(Marziali et al., 2008). It emerges as a protective fac-
tor against depression, supporting its mood-enhanc-
ing and stress-reducing effects, particularly relevant 
during major life disruptions (Chen & Lim, 2022).
 The positive association observed between Self-
Blame and anxiety underscores the maladaptive nature 
of this coping style, particularly during crises (Maun-
der et al., 2010). The inclination toward Self-Blame 
may exacerbate anxiety symptoms, emphasizing the 
importance of identifying and redirecting such mal-
adaptive coping. Additionally, the link between Be-
havioral Disengagement and higher depression levels 
reinforces the need to address maladaptive coping that 
could lead to heightened depression (Bonanno, 2004).
 The findings also highlight the potential vul-
nerability of disengaging from Active Coping strat-
egies when facing adversity. The significant negative 
associations of the Use of Emotional Support and 
Acceptance with depression underscore the pivot-
al role of social support and adaptive Acceptance in 
promoting mental well-being, aligning with studies 
emphasizing the importance of interpersonal con-
nections during crises (Rosen et al., 2022). Behaviors 
that accentuate Emotional and Instrumental Sup-
port, Humor, and Acceptance align with identified 
protective factors against depression and anxiety.
 Recognizing the diverse nature of individual cop-
ing mechanisms is essential. (Stanley et al., 2021). The 
unique nature of crises emphasizes the need for tar-
geted interventions that address maladaptive coping 
strategies, such as Self-Blame, pervasive in the after-
math of catastrophic events. It is crucial to recognize 
ineffective coping mechanisms and redirect them to-
wards more constructive approaches. This aligns with 

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83

established best practices outlined by the National 
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 
(2019), emphasizing the importance of psychoeduca-
tion to enhance emotional and instrumental support.
 The literature on coping during catastrophic 
events underscores the need for a multifaceted ap-
proach. Studies highlight the importance of com-
munity-level coping strategies in the aftermath of 
large-scale disasters, emphasizing the interconnect-
edness of individual coping with broader societal re-
sponses (Bonanno et al., 2010). The collective efficacy 
of communities in navigating and recovering from 
catastrophic events is an essential aspect that comple-
ments individual coping strategies (Kocalevent et al., 
2015). Their research suggests that resilience is not 
a uniform trait, and individuals may employ various 
coping mechanisms based on their unique characteris-
tics and circumstances (Bonanno & Diminich, 2013). 
 The implications of effective coping mechanisms 
in the context of catastrophic events extend beyond in-
dividual well-being to encompass broader societal re-
silience (Norris et al., 2008. The ongoing COVID-19 
pandemic serves as a backdrop to these insights, em-
phasizing the need for adaptive coping strategies at 
the community level. As we navigate the aftermath 
of such events, an approach that addresses maladap-
tive coping enhances support systems, contribut-
ing to a more resilient and mentally healthy society.
 Non-professionals can also independently im-
plement effective coping strategies. These strategies 
can promote an individual's resilience and well-being 
by fostering supportive social networks and seeking 
tangible assistance when needed. In the broader con-
text of community and societal well-being, awareness 
campaigns and educational initiatives become crucial. 
By disseminating information about effective coping 
strategies, the public can learn to create a more sup-
portive and resilient society. This can enable individu-
als to cope better with challenging situations (Holmes 
et al., 2020; World Health Organization, 2020).
Future Directions
 It is imperative to broaden our investigation into 
sleep patterns and their potential interplay with men-
tal health challenges, specifically anxiety and depres-
sion. Sleep, acknowledged as a pivotal factor in mental 
well-being, represents a relatively uncharted terrain 
within the context of coping skills. Probing into how 
coping skills might influence sleep quality and, recipro-

cally, how disrupted sleep patterns might impact mental 
health outcomes holds the promise of unveiling novel 
dimensions in our understanding of these phenomena.
 Recognizing the bidirectional relationship be-
tween coping skills and sleep could furnish insights 
into the holistic well-being of individuals contending 
with anxiety and depression. Sleep disturbances have 
been correlated with a spectrum of mental health chal-
lenges, and exploring this link within the framework of 
coping skills may furnish valuable information for de-
veloping integrated interventions (Zhao et al., 2022).
 To propel our understanding further, future re-
search endeavors may employ methodologies such as 
longitudinal studies or ecological momentary assess-
ments, to capture real-time fluctuations in coping 
skills and sleep patterns. Additionally, investigating 
potential mediating or moderating factors, such as 
stress or anxiety, could contribute to a more compre-
hensive understanding of the intricate connections 
between coping skills, anxiety, depression, and sleep.
 This study not only advances our understanding 
of coping skills and their associations with anxiety and 
depression but also lays the groundwork for future re-
search initiatives, therapeutic approaches, and support 
mechanisms tailored to the unique needs of individuals 
grappling with these complex mental health challenges.
Limitations
 This study is subject to certain limitations that 
should be considered when interpreting the results. 
One notable limitation is the overrepresentation 
of women in the clinically significant range for de-
pression and anxiety. Additionally, the study's fo-
cus on a sample of notably younger and technolog-
ically adept participants raises the possibility that 
the results may apply primarily to specific demo-
graphic subsets rather than the entire population.
 Moreover, the study was conducted amid the 
COVID-19 pandemic, a period associated with a 
heightened prevalence of depression and anxiety. 
This temporal context could impact the results, 
potentially leading to an overestimation of mental 
health issues. Researchers conducting similar stud-
ies with larger samples experiencing depression and 
anxiety should be cautious about generalizing find-
ings to populations unaffected by pandemic-relat-
ed stressors. Therefore, recognizing the influence 
of the pandemic on mental health trends is crucial 
for a nuanced interpretation of study outcomes.

EXAMINING COPING SKILLS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION



84

Conclusion
 Understanding coping strategies and their 
profound implications for depression extends be-
yond clinical settings. Recognizing individual cop-
ing patterns and tailoring interventions accord-
ingly empowers both clinicians and individuals 
to contribute actively to advancing mental health 
and alleviating depression. This approach address-
es the immediate needs of individuals and fosters 
a cultural shift towards a more empathetic and in-
formed approach to mental health and well-being.
 Comprehending coping strategies becomes even 
more crucial amid significant life disruptions, such as 
the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the 
need for effective coping mechanisms on a societal 
scale. The insights gained from understanding coping 
strategies during such turbulent times aid in imme-
diate crisis management and contribute to the resil-
ience and adaptability of individuals facing adversity.
 This study unveils the myriad coping strate-
gies individuals adopt to navigate the complexities 
of mental health challenges. The insights gleaned 
offer a nuanced perspective on how coping skills 
may relate to emotional experiences and well-be-
ing during heightened stress and uncertainty.
 Exploring coping strategies within the context 
of life-altering events is crucial for tailoring interven-
tions to the unique needs of individuals experiencing 
mental health challenges. This research provides a 
timely contribution to our understanding of cop-
ing dynamics amid significant societal upheavals, 
facilitating the development of targeted strategies 
to support mental well-being during times of crisis.
 Comprehending coping strategies extends beyond 
individual well-being to societal resilience, especially 
during the unparalleled challenges posed by events 
like the COVID-19 pandemic. Tailoring interven-
tions to the distinctive needs of individuals grappling 
with mental health challenges during such disruptive 
events is integral to fostering a more adaptive society.

Acknowledgments
 The author thanks Dr. Timothy Benke and Dr. 
Erik Oleson for their invaluable guidance and stead-
fast support throughout the research process. Their 
expertise and unwavering commitment significantly 
contributed to the study's development and execu-
tion. The author profoundly appreciates their men-

torship and scholarly advice, which greatly enhanced 
the quality of the work. Dr. Benke and Dr. Oleson's 
unwavering belief in the research, continuous encour-
agement, and commitment to academic excellence 
were instrumental in overcoming challenges. The au-
thor acknowledges their mentors' profound impact on 
the study and expresses sincere gratitude for the priv-
ilege of collaborating with such remarkable mentors.

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Table 1

Table of Demographic Data

Note. Nationality, age, and sex of participants.

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89

Table 2

Descriptive Statistics and Correlations for Anxiety, Depression, and Study Variables

EXAMINING COPING SKILLS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION

Note. The table includes descriptive statistics and correlations for anxiety, depression, and 
study variables. The table includes mean (M), standard deviation (SD), and correlations with 
anxiety and depression scores.

*p < .05, **p < .01.



90

Table 3

Regression for Anxiety and Coping Styles

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Note. The table presents unstandardized coefficients (B), standardized coefficients (β), Lower 
Limit (LL), Upper Limit (UL), t-values, p-values, and 95% confidence intervals for each pre-
dictor variable in relation to the dependent variable total anxiety.

*p < .05, **p < .01.



91

Table 4

Regression for Depression and Coping Styles

EXAMINING COPING SKILLS, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION

Note. The table presents unstandardized coefficients (B), standardized coefficients (β), 
Lower Limit (LL), Upper Limit (UL), t-values, p-values, and 95% confidence intervals 
for each predictor variable in relation to the dependent variable total depression.

*p < .05, **p < .01.


