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Coping styles, anxiety, and depression in children.
P Muris1, A Van Brakel, C Meesters
1Department of Psychology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands.
Psychological Reports
|March 18, 1999
Summary
Children experiencing higher anxiety and depression also utilized more coping strategies. This study explored the relationship between emotional distress and coping mechanisms in pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Child Development
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Emotional distress, including anxiety and depression, is a significant concern in child populations.
- Understanding coping mechanisms is crucial for supporting children's mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between anxiety and depression scores and the utilization of various coping strategies in children.
- To determine if higher levels of emotional distress correlate with different coping styles.
Main Methods:
- A correlational study was conducted with 71 children.
- Participants completed scales measuring anxiety and depression.
- A coping styles questionnaire was administered to assess employed strategies.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between scores on anxiety and depression scales.
- Higher scores in anxiety and depression were associated with more frequent use of all coping strategies examined.
- No specific coping strategy was uniquely linked to distress; rather, overall strategy use increased.
Conclusions:
- Children with elevated anxiety and depression tend to employ a broader range of coping strategies.
- The findings suggest a general increase in coping behavior in response to emotional distress, rather than a shift to specific styles.
- Further research is warranted to explore the adaptive or maladaptive nature of this increased coping in pediatric mental health.