ABSTRACT

Medical students face heightened challenges in emotional and mental well-being, experiencing high levels of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. This descriptive cross-sectional study evaluates coping strategies for enhancing emotional health among 277 medical students at the University of Benin. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire.Results indicated that 61% of students experienced stress or anxiety daily, and 67% reported burnout, largely driven by academic pressures and financial concerns. A significant portion (88%) of participants felt that academic pressures impacted their emotional health, with 48% reporting fair mental well-being, 30% good, 14% excellent, and 2% in a very poor mental state.Students identified emotional support (46%), instrumental support (50%), and planning (41%) as effective coping strategies. Only a small percentage (1%) reported using substances like drugs or alcohol for stress management. The study highlights the necessity of improving the academic environment and financial support for medical students. It also recommends that students adopt effective time management for both academic and recreational activities, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being.Keywords: Effectiveness of  Coping strategies, emotional health, well being, medical students.