Coping strategies and psychological well-being in Psychology students in post pandemic times

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between coping strategies and psychological well-being in 256 final year Psychology students at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras en el Valle de Sula in times of post-COVID-19 pandemic. A quantitative approach is used, and a non-experimental, transversal, descriptive and correlational design is used. The data were collected using the COPE-28 (Spanish version of Carver's Brief COPE) and the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale. The results revealed that students predominantly used cognitive coping strategies, especially active coping and planning, while disengagement was less frequent. Regarding social support, emotional support and relief prevailed, the latter being less used. Spiritual coping did not show a significant relationship with psychological well-being, unlike previous studies. On the other hand, the students showed a moderate level of psychological well-being. It is concluded that it is crucial to promote active coping strategies and strengthen support networks in educational environments to improve the mental health of post-pandemic students.

The results revealed that students predominantly used cognitive coping strategies (M= 3.85), especially active coping and planning, while disengagement was less frequent. Regarding social support, emotional support and relief prevailed, the latter being less used. Spiritual coping did not show a significant relationship with psychological well-being, unlike previous studies. On the other hand, the students showed a moderate level of psychological well-being.

It is concluded that it is crucial to promote active coping strategies and strengthen support networks in educational environments to improve the mental health of post-pandemic students.