Gratitude as a protective factor against anxiety and depression among Chinese adolescents: The mediating role of coping flexibility

Gratitude is a crucial element of mental health and wellbeing. But the underlying mechanism by which gratitude is negatively associated with anxiety and depression has been underinvestigated. The current study aimed to examine the associations among gratitude, anxiety, and depression in Chinese adolescents, with a focus on coping flexibility as an individual factor mediating their associations. To do this, 492 middle‐school students in China were surveyed. Subsequently, a mediation model based on the broaden‐and‐build theory, transactional theory of coping, and previous studies was tested. Results demonstrated that the total effects of gratitude on both anxiety and depression were significant. Moreover, coping flexibility significantly mediated the influence of gratitude on both anxiety and depression. Therefore, improving gratitude and enhancing coping flexibility may protect Chinese adolescents from anxiety and depression.