Stress and coping in Black South African adolescents

To examine the relationships between the intensity of stress, types of stressors and coping strategies of Black South African adolescents, a demographic questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Adolescent Stress Scale (ASSC) and Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (A-COPE) were completed by 102 Black adolescents attending a secondary school in Cape Town, South Africa. The intensity of stress experienced by this sample was higher than that reported for most other adolescent samples in the research literature. Scholastic and career problems were the most prevalent stressors and abuse at home the least prevalent stressor. Solving family problems was the most prevalent coping strategy while seeking professional support was the least prevalent coping strategy. There were no significant relationships between intensity of stress and types of stressors. A significant negative relationship was found between intensity of stress and the coping strategy of ventilating feelings. Originating from a rural homeland significantly predicted a lower intensity of stress. It was concluded that the collectivist, supportive world-view adhered to by rural Black South Africans, known as ubuntu, probably served as a buffer against stress in Black South African adolescents from a rural background.