College Students Use of Coping Strategies while facing Mental Health Challenges during Covid 19 Pandemic

Background: The Covid-19 pandemic led to several mental health challenges. Among students’ depression and anxiety were the most common. This study explores the coping strategies in dealing with depression and anxiety among college students during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Using a descriptive design with a stratified sample of 702 students aged 18 and 25 years were enlisted for data collection from Pune. Standardized measures like Hopkins Symptoms Check List, Shortened Ways of Coping and Brief RCOPE were administered. Conclusion: Findings indicate a significant negative correlation between positive religious coping and depression (r = -.14**, p<.01), significant negative correlation between positive religious coping and anxiety (r = -.17**, p<.01). A significant negative relationship between practical thinking and depression (r= -.11**, p<.01) and a significant negative relationship between practical thinking and anxiety (r= -.16**, p<.01). In conclusion, exploring coping strategies helps in identifying the effective strategies in dealing with mental health challenges and in developing interventions.