De effecten van copingstrategieën op internaliserende problemen, eigenwaarde en ervaren sociale acceptatie bij (pre-) adolescenten.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine whether coping strategies can predict internalising problems, self-esteem and experienced social acceptance. And whether there are gender and age differences in the use of coping strategies. The sample included 107 (pre)-adolescents in the ages of 11 to 18 years old who had a diagnostic examination at a psychological practice and (one of) their parents, living in the Netherlands. Each child completed self report questionnaires on coping strategies, self-esteem and experienced social acceptance. Each parent completed a questionnair on the internalising problems of their child. Results showed that the passive coping strategy positively predicts total internalising problems, anxious/ depressive and withdrawn/ depressive problems and negatively predicts self-esteem. The coping strategy expression of emotions negatively predicts total internalising problems and withdrawn/ depressive problems. The avoidant strategy negatively predicts experienced social acceptance and finally the strategy positive self instruction positively predicts self-esteem. Girls have more internalising problems than boys, regardless the coping strategy they use. Girls also tend to use more of the strategy expression of emotions and the passive strategy than boys. There were no gender and age differences in the relation between coping strategies and internalising problems. The results are discussed in terms of the importance of assessing coping strategies and teaching (pre-)adolescents positive coping strategies.