The Mediating Role of Coping Styles on Psychological Functioning and Well-being of College Students

Jither Ken Patalinghug; L. Fajanilan; B.B. Mergal; S.A. Castillo; R. J. Guanco

Authors

Jither Ken Patalinghug Adventist University of the Philippines
L. Fajanilan Adventist University of the Philippines
B.B. Mergal Adventist University of the Philippines
S.A. Castillo Adventist University of the Philippines
R. J. Guanco Adventist University of the Philippines

Keywords:

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Coping Styles/Strategies, Well-Being

Abstract

This study explores the intricate relationships between psychological functioning (depression, stress, and anxiety), coping styles (problem-focused and emotion-focused), and SPIRE Well-Being (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Relational, and Emotional). It emphasizes the mediating role of coping styles in the connection between psychological functioning and well-being. Data were collected from 353 students at a private university using standardized (DASS-21 and Revised Brief-COPE) and self-created (SWIS) questionnaires. The quantitative analysis revealed that depression significantly impacts SPIRE Well-Being (β= -0.235, p<0.001), and this effect persists even when problem-focused coping is introduced as a mediating factor. Additionally, the study found that emotion-focused coping significantly mediates the relationship between depression and well-being (β= -0.032, p= 0.025). For stress, its negative impact on SPIRE Well-Being (β= -0.141, p= 0.006) remains significant when emotion-focused coping is considered (β= -0.094, p= 0.041). It was also revealed that neither problem or emotion-focused coping mediates the relationship of anxiety and well-being. The findings suggest that both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping styles partially mediate the relationship between depression and well-being, while emotion-focused coping also partially mediates the relationship between stress and well-being. By understanding how coping styles influence well-being, universities and mental health professionals can develop targeted interventions such as workshops, lectures and group dynamics focusing to help students properly use coping styles and improvement of well-being.

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