Coping Profiles and Mental Health Outcomes in American University Students: A Latent Profile Analysis

Abstract

Research shows that person-centered statistics are useful for identifying coping profiles in adolescents and adults, including college students, where such studies are limited. This study aimed to discern coping profiles among American college students and examine associations with mental health outcomes. Participants completed the Brief COPE inventory, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale – 21 items (DASS-21), and a demographics form. Using latent profile analysis, we identified three latent profiles including: disengaged/low, approach, and avoidant copers. Participants assigned to the approach and disengaged/low coper profiles reported lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than members of the avoidant coper profile. Interestingly, approach and low copers reported similar levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The results provide insight into the contribution of coping categories (e.g., problem-focused, avoidant, etc.) to mental health concerns and have the potential to support institutional efforts to improve university students’ ability to cope with academic stressors.