The relationship between coping strategies, stress, and anxiety among King Saud University medical students.

Abstract

The issue of how personality impacts individuals' coping mechanisms in response to stressful circumstances has been extensively explored. There has been scholarly discourse on the potential confusion of stress-coping styles with personality traits. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between coping strategies, stress, and anxiety among medical students at King Saud University. A total of 332 medical students completed a survey assessing stress and anxiety levels using standardized scales, alongside questions on coping strategies. Correlation analysis examined associations between variables. Stress and anxiety exhibited a very weak positive correlation (r = 0.074, P = 0.175). Stress levels showed a moderate positive correlation with coping strategies (r = 0.312, P < 0.001), while coping strategies correlated moderately negatively with anxiety (r = -0.231, P < 0.001) but not with stressors. Academic-related stressors were predominant (63%), with problem-focused coping strategies like seeking social support and planning commonly employed. Despite higher anxiety levels correlating with increased coping strategy use among medical students, specific stressor types did not influence strategy choice. Targeted interventions are needed to address stress triggers and enhance well-being.