Progress in resolving problems: A problem-focused style of coping.

Abstract

This investigation reports the development of a multidimensional instrument of stable coping styles that focused on whether one's problem-focused coping efforts were facilitating or inhibiting progress toward resolution of a problem. Study 1 describes the steps in scale construction, including the factor analyses, normative information, and reliability estimates. Study 2 provides initial estimates of the stability of the factor structure and construct, concurrent, and discriminant validity. Study 3 provides evidence for the test-retest stability of the Problem-Focused Style of Coping (PF-SOC) factors, an examination of the relations between the PF-SOC factors and neuroticism as another estimate of discriminant validity, and additional concurrent validity by comparisons with a well-developed coping styles inventory.How people struggle and cope with real-life, stressful personal difficulties has received considerable attention ever since Dewey's (1933) influential book on applied problem solving, How We Think. A wide variety of research suggests that coping and problem-solving activities play a role in physical and psychological well-being when people are confronted with negative or stressful events (see D 'Zurilla & Nezu, 1982;Friedman, 1991;Snyder & Ford, 1987). Despite the progress in understanding the coping process and the role of coping in mediating both physical and psychological health, many questions remain either unanswered or unexamined.Little agreement exists regarding the optimal conceptualization of coping (Rohde, Lewinsohn, Tilson, & Seeley, 1990), and a proliferation of constructs have been introduced such as problem-and emotion-focused coping (Folkman & Lazarus, 1980), primary and secondary appraisal (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), hardiness (Kobasa, 1982), problem-solving appraisal (Heppner, 1988), problem-solving ability (D'Zurilla & Nezu, 1982), antidepressive behaviors (Rippere, 1976), learned resourcefulness (Meichenbaum, 1977), and coherence (Antonovsky, 1979). In many instances, similar constructs and relationships among vari-

Perceived coping as a mediator between attachment and psychological distress: A structural equation modeling approach.

“…The SS (6 items) is defined as a tendency to deny problems and avoid coping activities. The RS (5 items) measures a tendency to have strong emotional responses, distortion, impulsivity, and cognitive confusion (Heppner et al, 1995). In the present study, only the SS and RS factors were used.…”

Maladaptive perfectionism and ineffective coping as mediators between attachment and future depression: A prospective analysis.

“…The Suppressive Style is a six-item subscale that measures a tendency to deny problems and avoid coping activities. The Reactive Style is a five-item subscale that measures a tendency toward strong emotional responses, distortion, impulsivity, and cognitive confusion (Heppner et al, 1995). Each item uses a 5-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (almost never) to 5 (almost all of the time).…”

“…We used the Suppressive Style and Reactive Style subscales from the Problem-Focused Style of Coping measure (PF-SOC; Heppner, Cook, Wright, & Johnson, 1995) to assess ineffective coping. The Suppressive Style is a six-item subscale that measures a tendency to deny problems and avoid coping activities.…”

Moderating effects of three coping strategies and self-esteem on perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms: A minority stress model for Asian international students.

“…For these students, suppressive coping may be a temporary solution to avoid hostility and other unpleasant feelings. However, coping literature (Heppner et al, 1995) has indicated negative implications of suppressive coping on psychological outcomes. Thus, the combination of low self-esteem and high use of suppressive coping may enhance the association between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms relative to the effects of either variable alone.…”

“…From the dispositional and problem resolution perspective, Heppner, Cook, Wright, and Johnson (1995) developed a coping measure that assessed three styles of coping (i.e., reflective, suppressive, and reactive coping). This is a new way of conceptualizing coping in terms of the outcome of the coping action.…”