The Relationship Between Stress Events and Mental Health: The Role of Cognitive Flexibility and Coping Style

Abstract

College students' mental health has always been a focal point of attention. Existing studies have shown that stressful events are a significant factor influencing mental health. Additionally, cognitive flexibility levels and coping styles can also impact an individual's mental health. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the relationship between stress events and mental health. Using the questionnaire method, the university students were assessed using the Cognitive Flexibility Questionnaire (CFI), Simple Coping Questionnaire (SCSQ), and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-20) to investigate the relationship between stress events, cognitive flexibility, coping styles, and mental health. Significant differences were observed in gender and residence, while no significant differences were found in grade. The mental health level of female students is higher than that of male students. Additionally, the mental health level of college students living in urban areas is higher than that of rural college students, and the mental health level of college students residing in county towns is higher than that of those living in towns and townships.