Interaction of self-concept and coping strategies in adolescents

In the framework of a more broadly focused research project, we analyzed coping behavior in relation to self-concept in freshmen and junior high school students (137 girls and 63 boys, aged 14-18 yrs.). We used the COPE inventory (Carver et al., 1989) and the Frankfurt Self-Concept Scales (Deusinger, 1986). The analysis of intersexual differences revealed a greater number of significant positive relationships between self-concept scales and problem-focused strategies in girls. Significant relationships between emotion-focused strategies and self-concept scales were more frequent in boys. Considering the entire sample, we found reliable predictors of coping behavior in the assessment of the overall performance ability, general problem coping and certainty in behavior and decision making.