Perceived stress and coping among adults in Germany: results from the Health in Germany panel 2024

Abstract

Background: Stress and coping are key determinants of mental health. However, representative data for Germany remain scarce. This study provides population-based findings on the prevalence of perceived stress and coping as well as on their association. Methods: Data were derived from the representative study series ‘Health in Germany’ conducted by the Robert Koch Institute (wave 2024; n = 27,102; 51.1 % women; age range: 18 – 99 years). Descriptive analyses of stress (Perceived Stress Scale; PSS-10) and coping (Short Adult Coping Scale; SACS-16) were conducted by gender, age, and education, as well as regression analyses examining their associations. Results: Approximately 20 % of respondents showed elevated stress levels, particularly women, individuals of working age, and those with low or medium formal education. Problem solving, proactive coping, and coping flexibility were associated with lower perceived stress, whereas repression and wishful thinking were associated with higher perceived stress. Differences in coping strategies were observed primarily across age groups. Conclusions: The findings underscore the public health relevance of stress and indicate potential approaches for preventive measures by promoting suitable and target-group-specific coping strategies.