SELF-PERCEIVED PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY, STRESS APPRAISAL, AND COPING OVER TIME Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • This study examined the effects of self-perceived problem-solving ability on the stress and coping processes as theorized by Lazarus and Folkman (1984). Using a prospective design, 141 undergraduates completed questionnaires in 2-week intervals that measured recent stressful encounters, the cognitive appraisal of each particular event, and subsequent coping strategies. Self-perceived problem-solving ability was measured at Time 1. It was predicted that self-perceived effective problem solvers would consistently see less threat (primary appraisal), perceive more options for coping (secondary appraisal), and use more problem-focused and less emotion-foucsed coping strategies than self-perceived ineffective problem solvers. Results of separate 2 2 repeated-measures MANOVAs supported predictions regarding problem solving and coping, but not those regarding cognitive appraisal. These findings are discussed in regard to theoretical notions of self-perceived problem-solving ability and transactional models of stress appraisal and coping. 1992.

published proceedings

  • JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY

author list (cited authors)

  • MACNAIR, R. R., & ELLIOTT, T. R.

citation count

  • 73

complete list of authors

  • MACNAIR, RR||ELLIOTT, TR

publication date

  • June 1992