Stressful Events and Coping Responses Among Older Adults in Two Sociocultural Groups

Abstract

In this study of the way 32 men and women between the ages of 60 to 90 coped with stressful situations, two instruments were used: the Life Experiences Survey and the Ways of Coping Checklist. Overall, health-related concerns were more frequently reported by older adults than any other stressful event. When coping responses were categorized according to four modes--intrapsychic, inaction, direct action, and information seeking--the Appalachian group was found to use the information-seeking mode; the Cherokee group, the intrapsychic mode. Significant differences were found between males and females in coping modes and life-stress categories. When groups were combined, significant correlations were noted between life stress, particularly health-related stress, and the coping modes of intrapsychic and information seeking.

Race, Coping Strategies, and Substance Use Behaviors: A Preliminary Analysis Examining White and American Indian Adolescents

“…He found little difference in either perceived stress levels or coping styles employed, although he did find evidence of a race-gender interaction, with AI males more likely to prefer an emotion-oriented coping strategy compared to white males. In an earlier study of Cherokee and white elderly adults, Chovan and Chovan (1985) found that the Cherokee respondents were more likely to employ the intra-psychic (e.g. appraisal by the subject that they must accept or get used to the situation) coping strategy than the white respondents.…”

Adolescents' help-seeking behaviour: the difference between self- and other-referral

“…Female adolescents may be more strongly influenced by the self-threatening mechanism, whereas male adolescents may be more strongly influenced by their perceived competency and trust in the support system. Boys tend to use defences such as denial and avoidance, whereas girls tend to express their feelings and seek social support (Bird and Harris, 1990;Chovan and Chovan, 1985;Fuerstein, 1989). Male adolescents may not consciously experience the same threat to self as do female adolescents, since they deny their need for help.…”

Understanding the “Medicine” of Native American Traditional Values: An Integrative Review

“…Similar findings have been reported from other studies examining cultural values involving Native American approaches to stressful situations. In a study by Chovan and Chovan (1985) examining Native American coping skills, Cherokee elders were found to use an intrapsychic mode of coping that emphasizes acceptance of circumstances and the inward focus of one's energies to maintain harmony and balance externally. The findings of this study support the Native American value orientation for preference of collateral relations and harmony with nature indicated by Kluckhohn and Strod tbeck (1961).…”