The impact of stress and coping: Developmental changes in the transition to adolescence

Michael A. Hoffman, Rachel Levy-Shiff, Shaul C. Sohlberg, Julia Zarizki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

54 Scopus citations

Abstract

Developmental change in the impact of stressful life events and coping styles were assessed among Israeli preadolescent and adolescent boys. A school sample completed a questionnaire tapping emotionally, cognitively, and practically oriented styles of coping, along with a life event survey. Teachers reported on behavior and adjustment. Analyses revealed that coping among preadolescent males was relatively undifferentiated and of limited efficacy. The transition to adolescence saw an increased qualitative differentiation of emotionally from practically or cognitively oriented coping styles, as well as quantitatively greater use of cognitively oriented coping. Further, cognitively and practically oriented coping served as effective foils to the adverse effects of stress, whereas emotionally oriented coping was counterproductive. Discussion focused on the possible contribution of cognitive growth to coping, as well as the relative utility of adult models for the study of coping in young populations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)451-469
Number of pages19
JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence
Volume21
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1992

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