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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
07:26
Assessment of Stress Effects on Cognitive Flexibility using an Operant Strategy Shifting Paradigm
Published on: May 4, 2020
Coping flexibility in college students with depressive symptoms
Ji-Gang Zong1, Xiao-Yan Cao, Yuan Cao
1Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
Health and Quality of Life Outcomes
|July 15, 2010
Summary
Chinese university students experiencing depressive symptoms reported more negative life events and used less adaptive coping strategies. Interventions should focus on improving coping flexibility for these students.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Depressed mood is prevalent among Chinese undergraduate students.
- Understanding coping patterns is crucial for mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the prevalence of depressed mood in Chinese undergraduates.
- To examine coping patterns and flexibility associated with depressed mood.
Main Methods:
- Administered questionnaires on coping patterns, flexibility, and depressive symptoms to 428 students.
- Analyzed data from 266 participants who reported stressful life events.
Main Results:
- Higher depressive symptoms correlated with more frequent/impactful stressful events and lower perceived controllability and coping effectiveness.
- Depressive symptoms were not significantly linked to cognitive flexibility or moderated by gender.
Conclusions:
- Students with depressive symptoms experience more negative events and use maladaptive coping methods.
- Interventions to enhance coping flexibility are important for undergraduates with depressive symptoms.
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