The Mediating Role of Coping with Stress in the Relationship Between Psychological Resilience and Cognitive Awareness in Undergraduate Students

Background: Psychological resilience and cognitive awareness are important in coping with stress.

Aim: This study examined the mediating role of coping with stress in the relationship between psychological resilience and cognitive awareness in undergraduate students.

Methods: This study employed a descriptive and correlational research design. The research involved 982 students from a university in Türkiye. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, Brief Resilience Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and Coping Style Scale between September and October 2021. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and by constructing a structural equation model using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) Version 23 software.

Results: The study found that students’ cognitive awareness and problem-oriented coping are positively correlated. Conversely, there was a negative correlation with styles of coping that involve emotional stress. It has been found that psychological resilience positively influences problem-oriented coping, which is a method of coping with stress, and has a direct negative effect on coping with emotions. Additionally, it was concluded that the hypothesis regarding the mediating role of coping with stress in the relationship between resilience and cognitive awareness is supported.

Conclusion: Universities should provide students with empowerment training programs or courses to help them build psychological resilience and cognitive awareness. Furthermore, mental health experts should offer students personal development seminars to emphasize the importance of psychological resilience and cognitive awareness.