Mitigating Negative Emotions: The Role of Adaptive Coping Mechanisms During the Pandemic

The role of coping strategies on negative emotions has been extensively researched; however, there is limited literature specifically examining this link within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Korea. This study fills this gap by examining the impact of physical activity and parental discussion on depression among 2,265 Korean adolescents in 2021. Multiple analyses, including Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), advocate the relevance of General Strain Theory (GST) in carving out the true effect of adaptive coping mechanisms on strain-induced distress. These results indicate significant theoretical and practical implications for comprehending adolescent negative emotions and informing policy recommendations to mitigate emotional distress during challenging times.