The mediating role of problem-focused coping strategies in the relationship between hopelessness and resilience

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between hopelessness, resilience and problem focused coping strategies. The effect of hopelessness on resilience and the mediating roles of problem focused coping strategies in this relationship were also examined. The sample of the study consisted of 270 (198 females, 72 males) participants who applied to Şişli Municipality Social Support Services Directorate, public hospitals and consultancy centers for psychological support. Demographic Information Form, Beck Hopelessness Scale, The Resilience Scale for Adults and Coping Style Scale were used. It has been observed that as hopelessness levels increase, resiliency levels decrease. Also, negative relationship was found between ‘self-confident approach', ‘optimistic approach' and ‘seeking social support' and hopelessness; positive relationship with resilience. Results indicated that problem focused coping strategies (seeking social support, optimistic approach, self-confident approach) has a mediator role in the relationship between hopelessness and resilience. In order to prevent the feeling of hopelessness from negatively impacting resilience, developing problem focused coping strategies, especially social support seeking behavior, may be clinically beneficial.