Coping with mental health problems in emerging adulthood: Differences by gender and education

Abstract

Background

Mental health problems are common in emerging adulthood, a period marked by major life changes related to education, work, and relationships. Coping plays a key role in handling mental health problems, yet research on group differences in coping strategies remains limited. This study examines coping among young adults in Sweden, focusing on variations by gender and upper secondary school attainment.

Methods

Data from a national Swedish sample of 23-year-olds (n = 3,236) collected in 2024 were analysed. Coping was assessed using a list of 20 items covering six domains: healthy behaviours, substance use, social interaction, self-reflection and solitude, hobbies and cultural activities, and sex and intimacy. Gender was categorised as male (reference) or female, and upper secondary school attainment as academic, vocational (reference), or other/no diploma. Descriptive statistics were examined, and adjusted linear probability models assessed group differences.

Results

Women were more likely to cope through social interactions (with friends: b = 0.10, p < 0.001; with family: b = 0.23, p < 0.001; via social media: b = 0.10, p < 0.001) but had a lower probability than men to use substances (alcohol: b=-0.03, p = 0.001; drugs: b=-0.02, p < 0.001) and engage in sex (b=-0.06, p < 0.001). Individuals with an academic diploma were more likely to engage in physical activity (b = 0.20, p < 0.001) and social interaction (with friends: b = 0.12, p < 0.001; with family: b = 0.06, p = 0.004; via social media: b = 0.05, p = 0.018), but less likely to use sex for coping (b=-0.02, p = 0.036). The association between education and substance use was more complex: while alcohol use did not vary, those without an upper secondary diploma were more likely to use drugs (b = 0.04, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

Emerging adults utilise a variety of coping strategies, with patterns differing by gender and education. Understanding these differences can help tailor mental health interventions more effectively.

Key messages

• Emerging adults cope with mental health problems in various ways, such as exercise, socialising, substance use, solitude, hobbies, and sex, with patterns varying by gender and education.

• Maladaptive coping in terms of alcohol and drug use is more common in young men. Drug use is also more common in those without an upper secondary diploma.