Adolescent coping with everyday problems

Adolescence is considered as a transitional period characterised by accelerated processes of change, in physical, cognitive and psychosocial functioning, which can be sources of considerable stress. Many stressors are “normative” (age-specific), related to developmental tasks experienced by all adolescents (e.g., attainment of autonomy from the family, dealing with peer pressures, initiating romantic relationships, school transitions). Theoretical perspectives on coping in adolescence acknowledge the role of the situational context, besides individual characteristics, in shaping coping strategies. It is recognised that coping may differ considerably depending on the nature of the stressful event or circumstance. This research investigated problem-specific coping strategies used by adolescents in dealing with everyday minor stressors and differences according to age, gender and type of school. The relationship between coping strategies and psychological well being was also assessed. Participants included about 295 Italian adolescents aged 14 to 19 yrs-old. Coping strategies were measured by the Coping Across Situations Questionnaire (CASQ). Results show that adolescents’ coping strategies toward everyday stressors differ according to the problem domain. Most frequently used coping strategies are active and internally focused. Moreover, some problem situations (e.g., with parents, school, future) elicit the use of more coping strategies compared to others (e.g., leisure). Differences in coping strategies were found according to adolescent age, gender and type of school. In particular, from early to late adolescence there is an increase in the use of more functional coping strategies and a decrease in the use of dysfunctional coping. Female adolescents use a wide range of coping strategies and to a greater extent than males. Considering type of school, students attending vocational schools generally use dysfunctional coping to a greater extent; however, problems with vocational issues are faced by this group making a greater use all coping strategies, including active coping. The adoption of dysfunctional coping strategies (e.g., withdrawal) significantly reduces adolescents’ psychological well being. Implications of results will be discussed.