Cluster Structuring Features of Coping Mechanisms in Adolescents

Abstract

The article studies the specifics of the manifestation of useful conceptual structuring schemes and the relationship between preferred coping strategies in adolescents with indicators of the productivity of intellectual activity (school performance and general intelligence score). The high intensity of coping indicates a pronounced maladjustment, which is confirmed by negative relationships with indicators of intelligence. The sample consisted of 158 adolescents aged 16 years. Research methods: data of the student's electronic diary and questionnaire "Methods of coping behaviour" Lazarus. Results: the structure of coping behaviour strategies consists of three clusters, two of which involve active problem-oriented actions and the third is passive, avoidant behaviour pattern. A low level of intensity of the coping strategy indicates an adaptive variant of coping, and an average level indicates the presence of an adaptive potential of a person in a borderline state without significant connections with the productivity of intellectual activity. Nevertheless, all copings can be conditionally divided into "active, rational" and "passive, emotional", where the first group is associated with semantic (conceptual) abilities, for example, "self-control". In addition, the second one is creative, for example, "conflict" and "escape-avoidance".