Reciprocal longitudinal relations between self‐efficacy and coping style: The explanatory mechanism of future self‐continuity

Abstract Background It has been demonstrated that self‐efficacy and coping styles are related. However, whether there is a reciprocal longitudinal relation between self‐efficacy and coping styles needs to be examined. In this longitudinal study, we tested the reciprocal impacts of self‐efficacy and coping styles, taking into account the role of future self‐continuity (FSC) in these effects. Methods The sample included 346 university students in central and southwestern China (48.3% female; M age = 21.20). Three waves of questionnaire data were collected at half‐year intervals. Cross‐lagged models were adopted for data analysis. Results Self‐efficacy at Waves 1 and 2 positively predicted positive coping style at Waves 2 and 3, and positive coping style at Waves 1 and 2 positively predicted self‐efficacy at Waves 2 and 3. Self‐efficacy at Waves 1 and 2 negatively predicted negative coping style at Waves 2 and 3, while negative coping style at Waves 1 and 2 did not significantly predict self‐efficacy at Waves 2 and 3. These results indicated the reciprocal causation of self‐efficacy and coping styles. Additionally, the mediation analysis revealed that FSC at Wave 2 played a mediating role in the unidirectional association between self‐efficacy at Wave 1 and negative coping style at Wave 3. Conclusions These findings suggest that self‐efficacy and coping style have mutual influences over time partly explained by university students' FSC. Consequently, the results offer potential applied value for promoting positive coping strategies among university students.