Coping Strategies and Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Among Youth in Disadvantaged Urban Areas of South America: A Longitudinal Study in Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Lima

Background The mental health of youth living in disadvantaged areas poses a public health challenge. Previous studies have focused on cross-sectional associations between coping strategies and symptoms of anxiety and depression, with limited exploration of longitudinal relationships. Objective To examine the association between changes in coping strategies and variations in anxiety and depression symptoms over time in adolescents and young adults residing in urban neighborhoods of South American cities, exploring whether an increase in coping strategies is associated with symptom reduction. Methodology Participants included 1,437 youth aged 15-16 and 20-24 years from Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Lima, exhibiting symptoms of anxiety and/or depression. They were followed up at 12 and 24 months. Longitudinal covariance analysis was conducted to examine whether changes in coping strategies were associated with changes in symptoms. Results Increased use of strategies such as cognitive restructuring, problem-focused coping, and seeking support was associated with greater reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Conclusion The findings underscore the importance of promoting coping strategies to reduce symptoms over time despite changes in the strategies utilized.