Abstract
Effective coping strategies for solving problems and dealing with emotions vary according to the situation. Therefore, it is important to modify coping behaviors according to each stressful situation. Previous studies have indicated that understanding the role of cognitive functions is an important factor in coping flexibility. Among cognitive functions, it is known that both metacognition, which means the ability to monitor the effectiveness of coping strategies when the stressful situation changes, and self-focused attention may affect the flexible use of coping strategies. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the effects of cognitive functions, focusing on the effect of metacognition and self-focused attention on coping flexibility in Japanese undergraduate students. Structural equation modeling indicated that the need to control thoughts had positive effects, and uncontrollability and danger had negative effects on coping flexibility. Moreover, coping flexibility had a negative effect on depression, low cognitive confidence, uncontrollability, and danger. Furthermore, self-focused attention had a positive effect on depression. It is concluded that people who evaluate which coping strategy is required, or easily stop non-functional thoughts or non-functional coping strategies, may switch to new coping strategies flexibly and may not easily lead to depression.
