# Coping Patterns over Time and the Association with Stress, Depression and Self-Efficacy Among Adolescents: Latent Transition Analysis

## TL;DR

This study explores how adolescents use different coping strategies over time and how these strategies relate to stress, depression, and self-efficacy.

## Contribution

The study identifies distinct coping profiles among adolescents and examines how these profiles evolve and differ by gender.

## Key findings

- Four distinct coping profiles were identified: Minimal Copers, Maximum Copers, Introverted Approach–Avoidant Copers, and Independent Problem-Solving Copers.
- Introverted Approach–Avoidant Copers reported the highest stress and depressive symptoms, while Minimal and Independent Copers reported lower levels.
- Independent Problem-Solving and Maximum Copers showed higher self-efficacy compared to Minimal Copers.

## Abstract

Introduction: Middle adolescence involves increasingly complex stressors, yet it remains unclear how coping strategies cluster into distinct profiles, how those profiles change across time, and whether profile structure is comparable across gender. We used latent class and transition analysis across three annual waves to identify coping profiles, model transitions, and examine perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and general self-efficacy by profile. Methods: Participants were 964 adolescents (mean age = 16.1 years; 56% female) from public high schools in Texas who completed surveys in spring 2011 with two annual follow-ups. The sample self-identified as Hispanic (32%), White (30%), African American (27%), or other (11%). Latent class/transition models estimated profile membership, transitions, and gender differences in prevalence and transition probabilities. Results: Four coping profiles emerged: Minimal Copers, Maximum Copers, Introverted Approach–Avoidant Copers, and Independent Problem-Solving Copers. Profile structure was comparable for females and males, although prevalence and transition differed. At Wave 4, Introverted Approach–Avoidant Copers reported the highest perceived stress and depressive symptoms, whereas Minimal and Independent Problem-Solving Copers reported lower perceived stress and depressive symptoms. Independent Problem-Solving and Maximum Copers reported higher general self-efficacy, whereas Minimal Copers reported the lowest. Conclusions: Coping in adolescence is heterogeneous and shifts over time, with gender differences in profile prevalence and transitions; findings highlight potential targets for tailored support and self-efficacy enhancement.