The Relationship between Coping Style and Psychological Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Coping strategies influence mental health, yet evidence on avoidant versus approach coping remains mixed. This meta-analysis examined associations between avoidant/approach coping and depression and anxiety. PsycINFO, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched (January 2005–June 2025) for quantitative, peer-reviewed studies reporting Pearson’s r, finalising eleven studies that met inclusion criteria. Random-effects models (REML) pooled effect sizes for four coping–outcome pairings (avoidant/depression, avoidant/anxiety, approach/depression and approach/anxiety). Heterogeneity, publication bias, and robustness were assessed. Avoidant coping correlated positively with depression and anxiety, whilst approach coping showed small, non-significant negative associations with depression and anxiety. All models exhibited substantial heterogeneity, but no publication bias was detected. The substantial heterogeneity observed aligns with prior meta-analyses in this field, reflecting differences in populations, measures and study design, likely representing genuine contextual effects. Clinically, the findings highlight the importance of targeting avoidant behaviours in therapy, meanwhile recognising that approach coping may only be effective in specific circumstances.