Coping and psychological well-being: Investigating the relations between specific coping strategies, anxiety, and depression among adolescents in a South African township.

Background

Coping strategies are important in the development and prevention of mental health problems in adolescents. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the links between specific coping strategies and mental health in at-risk adolescents from socioeconomically vulnerable communities in South Africa.

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether specific coping strategies predicted anxiety and/or depression among South African adolescents living in an impoverished township.Method: Data were collected from 415 adolescents from two secondary schools in Etwatwa, Gauteng, using a cross-sectional survey design. Adolescents ranged in age from 15 to 19 years (mean = 16.09 years, SD = 1.03 years), and 70% identified as female. Participants completed the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory, the 10-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale.

Results

Prevalence rates of depression and anxiety were high, with girls reporting significantly more symptoms than boys. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that using substances, behavioural disengagement, and self-blame predicted more symptoms of both anxiety and depression among adolescents. Denial was associated with more symptoms of anxiety, while venting was associated with more symptoms of depression.

Conclusion

While longitudinal research is recommended to determine the direction of effects, the findings of this study suggest that interventions targeting maladaptive coping strategies may help to prevent emotional distress among vulnerable adolescents.