The effects of stressor type on projected coping

J Trauma Stress. 1997 Jul;10(3):481-97. doi: 10.1023/a:1024849522973.

Abstract

Previous analog research (Bjorck & Cohen, 1993), in which Caucasian college students' projected coping responses to major stressors differed as a function of stressor type (threat, loss, or challenge), was replicated with an ethnoculturally diverse sample. Because Bjorck and Cohen's findings might have been confounded by participants' prior life experiences and/or differing perceptions of event controllability, these two dimensions were also assessed. Even after statistically controlling for these two potential confounds, however, projected coping again differed as a function of stressor type. Effects of both controllability and prior experience were also found. Results are discussed in terms of their application to coping processes in general and to coping with trauma in particular.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Defense Mechanisms
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Individuality
  • Internal-External Control
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Projection*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / diagnosis
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Students / psychology