# Coping Strategies, Self-Efficacy and Their Relationship with Anxiety and Depression in Early Childhood Care Professionals

## TL;DR

This study explores how coping strategies and self-efficacy affect anxiety and depression in early childhood care professionals.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific coping strategies and self-efficacy as protective factors against psychological distress in this professional group.

## Key findings

- Cognitive restructuring and social support are linked to lower depression, anxiety, and stress.
- Self-efficacy strongly predicts reduced psychological distress.
- Social withdrawal increases psychological distress, while emotional expression is tied to higher depression.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The mental health of Early Childhood Care professionals is of great importance to ensuring the quality of intervention and the well-being of families. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between coping strategies, perceived self-efficacy and levels of depression, anxiety and stress in Early Childhood Care professionals. Methods: A study was conducted with a sample of 125 professionals (87% women; M = 33.40, SD = 9.70). Participants completed the Coping Strategies Inventory, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, and the DASS-21. The sample was predominantly female, which should be considered when interpreting the findings. Results: Cognitive restructuring, positive restructuring, and social support were negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress, while social withdrawal was positively related to all these variables. Self-efficacy showed high negative correlations with psychological distress and was a strong protective predictor. Emotional expression showed a positive association with depression. Conclusions: Self-efficacy and adaptive coping strategies act as protective factors against psychological distress, while social withdrawal is a significant risk. These findings highlight the need to implement training and prevention programs primarily aimed at enhancing perceived self-efficacy, with adaptive coping strategies acting as behavioral mechanisms through which this protective factor is strengthened and maladaptive responses are reduced.