INTERPERSONAL INFLUENCE AND COPING STRATEGIES

This study examined the relationship between two types of nontrait measures: interpersonal (assertive) style and coping strategies. In all 207 young people completed two multidimensional questionnaires of each construct. The psychometric properties of both questionnaires were investigated (alpha coefficient reliability and factor structure). Both questionnaires showed psychometric weaknesses but scores were compared to examine some of the major hypotheses. There were few sex or age correlates. The assertive interpersonal influence behaviour pattern was positively correlated with and the passive style negatively correlated with adaptive cognitive and social support coping strategies. Both aggressive hostile and manipulative influence behaviour patterns were associated with repressive coping styles. Although correlations are in accordance with theoretical predictions, results may in part be due to the effects of social desirability.