The COVID-19 pandemic is causing widespread detrimental effects on mental health and quality of life, yet little research has examined effective coping strategies to mitigate these negative effects. The current study examined the association of 14 different coping strategies (categorized as approach or avoidance coping) with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and quality of life both cross-sectionally (N = 797) and longitudinally (n = 395). Avoidance coping was associated with higher depression, higher anxiety, and lower quality of life at baseline, and increased depression and anxiety over time. Approach coping was associated with lower depression and better quality of life at baseline but not over time. Further, depression and anxiety significantly mediated the association between coping and quality of life. Of the specific coping strategies examined, positive reframing was the most beneficial, suggesting that interventions focusing on reframing negative aspects of the pandemic may be most beneficial to improve general well-being. Public Significance StatementThe current study examined the effectiveness of different coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic to help anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Avoidance coping was unhelpful and was associated with increased depression and anxiety. The most helpful coping strategy was positive reframing. Positively reframing the negative effects of COVID-19 may help to cope with the pandemic.

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