Adolescent Resilience and Coping Mechanisms in Managing Stress and Mental Health Challenges

Abstract

Background:Teens are exposed to a variety of stressors during this important transition period, including school performance demands, social pressures and emotional turmoil. These play a crucial role in mental health, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and distress in adolescents. Objective: This research set out to explore the buffering effect of positive coping strategies and resilience to reduce stress and enhance mental health in adolescents. Methodology: A cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 250 adolescents (12-18 years old). The study used validated questionnaires of scales of resilience, perceived stress and coping strategies. Data were analysed using correlation and regression analyses. Findings: The findings revealed 40% of respondents had moderate resilience, with 30% having higher resilience. Resilience was negatively correlated with stress (r = –0.52, p < 0.01) and depression scores (r = –0.48, p < 0.01). Adaptive coping strategies were negatively correlated with stress levels (mean = 18.5 ± 4.2) and avoidance coping strategies were positively correlated with stress (mean = 26.3 ± 5.1). Conclusion: Adolescents' mental health is improved while their stress levels are decreased by their resilience and coping mechanisms, pointing to the importance of psychological strategies.