Coping and Social Support as Mediators of the Relation of Optimism to Depressive Symptoms Among Black College Students

Mosher, Catherine E.; Prelow, Hazel M.; Chen, William W.; Yackel, Molly E.

doi:10.1177/0095798405282110

Cited by 35 publications

(41 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…The average level of optimism ( M =30.70, SD =4.61) was similar to levels reported in other studies of women with breast cancer (Friedman et al, 2006; Trunzo & Pinto, 2003) and studies of African American men and women (Mattis et al, 2003; Mosher et al, 2006). Women reported high levels of perceived social support, as the average was 55.75 ( SD =6.47) on a scale that ranges from 16 to 64.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 84%

“…Following breast cancer surgery, optimistic women report higher levels of perceived support and greater feelings of attractiveness (Abend & Williamson, 2002). Several studies demonstrate that perceived social support mediates (partially or fully) the relationship between optimism and better psychological adjustment in survivors of traumatic events (Dougall et al, 2001; Sherman & Walls, 1995), among college students (Brissette et al, 2002; Mosher et al, 2006), and breast cancer survivors (Trunzo & Pinto, 2003). However, these studies have been conducted in predominantly non-Hispanic White samples.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, these studies have been conducted in predominantly non-Hispanic White samples. One study (Mosher et al, 2006) included Black college students, but these findings may not generalize to the larger population.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Optimism, social support, and adjustment in African American women with breast cancer

et al. 2008

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Past studies show that optimism and social support are associated with better adjustment following breast cancer treatment. Most studies have examined these relationships in predominantly non-Hispanic White samples. The present study included 77 African American women treated for nonmetastatic breast cancer. Women completed measures of optimism, social support, and adjustment within 10-months of surgical treatment. In contrast to past studies, social support did not mediate the relationship between optimism and adjustment in this sample. Instead, social support was a moderator of the optimism-adjustment relationship, as it buffered the negative impact of low optimism on psychological distress, well-being, and psychosocial functioning. Women with high levels of social support experienced better adjustment even when optimism was low. In contrast, among women with high levels of optimism, increasing social support did not provide an added benefit. These data suggest that perceived social support is an important resource for women with low optimism.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 84%

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confidence: 99%

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Optimism, social support, and adjustment in African American women with breast cancer

et al. 2008

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“…In general, both these styles are consistent with previous coping conceptualizations (e.g., Holahan, Moos, & Schaefer, 1996). Other researchers have created similar composite variables with COPE subscales in studies with African Americans (e.g., Clark, 2004;Mosher, Prelow, Chen, & Yackel, 2006) and therefore this appears to be a common method of using this measure with this population. Cronbach's reliabilities for subscales reflecting the approach and avoidance factors were .88 and .76, respectively.…”

Section: Construct Measurement Issuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Minority-Related Stressors and Coping Processes Among African American College Students

Greer

Chwalisz

2007

csd

103

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This study is an investigation of stress and coping among African American students at a predominantly White college/university (PWCU) and a Historically Black College/University (HBCU) and their relationship to academic performance. Participants were 203 African American students (101 from a mid-size predominantly White midwestern state university and 102 from an HBCU located on the East Coast). Perceived stress, minority status stress, and coping behaviors were measured. Multivariate comparisons revealed that African American students on the PWCU campus experienced higher levels of minority status stressors compared to their counterparts at the HBCU. Participants from both universities were generally similar in their use of coping strategies and in their levels of overall perceived stress. An exploratory model and an alternate model of stress and coping processes were tested. Both models highlight the unique contribution of minority status stressors to academic performance.

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“…hopefulness, a sense of peace) may also facilitate improved emotional QOL via reduced depression and anxiety as has been noted in youths with CF and other pulmonary disorders (Reynolds et al, 2013;Shelton, Linfield, Carter & Morton, 2005). In addition, higher active coping predicted greater social QOL which may reflect the fact that active coping is also associated with other positive approaches such as optimism (Mosher, 2006). Acceptance also has a role in the psychological functioning of adolescents with CF and other chronic conditions by relieving the symptoms of anxiety and depression often implicated in poorer disease management (Casier et al, 2011).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coping styles in adults with cystic fibrosis: implications for emotional and social quality of life

Hugh

McFeeters

Boyda

et al. 2015

Psychology, Health & Medicine

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As life expectancy increases, interest has grown surrounding the factors that may influence quality of life (QOL) for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of the current study was to examine which specific coping styles were positively or negatively associated with social and emotional QOL in a CF sample. One hundred and twenty-two respondents aged 18 and over were recruited through an online support group. Respondents completed the 'CF Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R)' and the 'Brief COPE'. The CFQ-R is a disease-specific instrument designed to measure the impact of CF on nine QOL domains and the Brief COPE is a 28 item questionnaire which assesses 14 coping scales. A multivariate regression model revealed that higher substance abuse and disengagement was associated with lower emotional QOL whereas greater use of religion, instrumental coping and acceptance was positively associated with emotional QOL. Active coping was linked to better social QOL and a negative association was reported between distraction coping with both emotional and social domains. Given the burden of CF, ascertaining which factors enhance or diminish emotion and social well-being is now an integral component of QOL research. The current findings may therefore have value in informing clinical interventions which aim to cater for the psychological needs of individuals with CF.

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Coping and Social Support as Mediators of the Relation of Optimism to Depressive Symptoms Among Black College Students

Cited by 35 publications

References 59 publications

Optimism, social support, and adjustment in African American women with breast cancer

Optimism, social support, and adjustment in African American women with breast cancer

Minority-Related Stressors and Coping Processes Among African American College Students

Coping styles in adults with cystic fibrosis: implications for emotional and social quality of life

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