Self-efficacy and optimism as predictors of coping with stress as assessed during the coronavirus outbreak

Abstract

This study provides novel insight into the relationships between coping with stress as reported during the first three months of the Coronavirus outbreak, self-efficacy, and optimism among Israeli-Palestinian college students living in Israel. Participants (n = 702) were selected using convenience sampling techniques from ten colleges in Israel, and self-report questionnaires were utilized to assess coping, self-efficacy, and optimism. Stepwise multiple regression models were used to examine the unique association of each independent variable on coping with stress, while accounting for the effects of the other independent variables to reduce multicollinearity concerns. The regression models demonstrates that higher levels of self-efficacy (β = −.12, p < 0.01) and optimism (β = −.18, p < 0.01) were negatively associated with maladaptive emotion-focused coping, whereas pessimism was positively associated (β = .12, p < 0.01). Further, higher levels of self-efficacy (β = .12, p < 0.01) and optimism (β = .18, 67 p < 0.01) were positively associated with adaptive problem-focused coping, whereas pessimism was negatively associated (β = −.10, p < 0.01). These findings are consistent with previous studies conducted globally which entail the contribution of self-efficacy and optimism to the improvement of coping behaviors. Thus, the current research shows the importance of these variables as coping resources for the Arab Israeli-Palestinian minority as well.