Relationship of Mental Health Literacy with Hospital Anxiety and Depression: Moderated by Brief Coping Skills

This research explored the combined role of mental health literacy and coping skills in relation to anxiety and depression among Pakistani university students. Using standardized measures, the study found that students with greater mental health knowledge reported lower psychological distress and employed more adaptive coping mechanisms. Regression analyses indicated that mental health literacy was a significant predictor of both anxiety and depression, while coping skills enhanced this protective relationship. The moderation analysis showed that the link between mental health literacy and reduced distress was stronger among students who demonstrated effective coping. These results highlight the value of combining educational awareness with skill-based coping interventions in student mental health programs. Further longitudinal and intervention-based research is recommended to confirm these relationships and inform culturally sensitive support strategies.