Coping strategies in adolescence

The Zurich Adolescent Psychology and Psychopathology Study (ZAPPS) investigated the coping strategies in a representative sample of 10-17-year-old subjects (N = 1110) using a modified version of the Coping Across Situations Questionnaire (Seiffge-Krenke, 1989a). Factor analysis revealed two dimensions of active and avoidant coping. Internal consistencies of the two scales were satisfactory. Girls scored higher than boys for active coping by means of social resources und lower for avoidant coping. In general, scores for avoidant coping decreased with increasing age. In line with previous research, active coping correlated positively with self-esteem, perceived parental warmth, and perceived size and efficiency of the social network. Avoidant coping correlated positively with internalizing and externalizing problems and perceived rejection by the parents. Following a pattern-oriented approach four coping styles were identified by use of cluster analysis, These types of coping differ markedly with respect to the criterion variables.