ANXIETY AND COPING : AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON VARSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

This is an exploratory and (mainly) quantitative study that focuses on how one cope with anxiety. Specifically, the role that religion plays in one's coping with anxiety is examined, i.e. whether religion affects the process of coping, and whether it impacts on the outcome of coping. There is no one guiding theoretical framework used in this study, though Moos and Schaefer's (1986) model of coping is used as a predominant source of reference. The findings revealed that religion plays an important role in coping. Religion reduces the likelihood of experiencing anxiety, affects the choice that one makes in the help sought, and influences the outcome of coping, i.e. the success, or non-success, of coping. The limitations of this study, and recommendations for future research, are discussed. The implications for practice based on this study's findings are also discussed in detail.