Coping with Anxiety: A Cross-Cultural Examination

Abstract

The present study designed to explore anxiety experiences and coping approaches amongst individuals from the broad population and to study the relationship between current anxiety levels and overall perceived anxiety levels. A mixed-method research design was done, including a literature review, quantitative survey, and a qualitative thematic analysis. The Data of total 50 participants from various demographic backgrounds studied. Information was composed through a self-report questionnaire comprising demographics, anxiety-related questions, and open-ended questions about anxiety proficiencies and coping methods. Quantitative data were assessed using vivid statistics, frequencies, percentages, and correlation analysis, while qualitative responses were explored through thematic analysis. Results exhibited that anxiety was commonly reported experience among participants, with fluctuating levels of intensity. A significant positive relationship was found between current anxiety levels and overall perceived anxiety levels, representing that individuals who described higher anxiety at the time of data collection also supposed themselves as usually more anxious. The qualitative findings recognized three major themes associated to anxiety experiences, specifically Academic and Occupational Stress, Future-related Concerns, Family and Relationship apprehensions. Likewise, coping approaches were characterized into Internal Coping, External Coping, and Behavioral Coping. Participants potently informed using prayer, positive thinking, acceptance, family support, social interaction, physical activity, and free time activities to manage anxiety. The literature review further reinforced these findings by promising the effectiveness of adaptive coping, mainly religious coping, social care, emotional regulation and physical activity, in decreasing anxiety and increasing psychological well-being.