Coping efficacy and psychological problems of children of divorce

Child Dev. 2000 Jul-Aug;71(4):1099-118. doi: 10.1111/1467-8624.00212.

Abstract

Three models of the relations of coping efficacy, coping, and psychological problems of children of divorce were investigated. A structural equation model using cross-sectional data of 356 nine- to twelve-year-old children of divorce yielded results that supported coping efficacy as a mediator of the relations between both active coping and avoiding coping and psychological problems. In a prospective longitudinal model with a subsample of 162 of these children, support was found for Time 2 coping efficacy as a mediator of the relations between Time 1 active coping and Time 2 internalizing of problems. Individual growth curve models over four waves also found support for coping efficacy as a mediator of the relations between active coping and psychological problems. No support was found for alternative models of coping as a mediator of the relations between efficacy and symptoms or for coping efficacy as a moderator of the relations between coping and symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Divorce / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Prospective Studies
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Stress, Psychological*