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

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 profes sionals. 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 restruc turing, positive restructuring, and social support were negatively associated with depres sion, anxiety, and stress, while social withdrawal was positively related to all these varia bles. 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 fac tors against psychological distress, while social withdrawal is a significant risk. These f indings highlight the need to implement training and prevention programs primarily aimed at enhancing perceived self-efficacy, with adaptive coping strategies acting as be havioral mechanisms through which this protective factor is strengthened and maladap tive responses are reduced.