Stress-buffering factors related to adolescent coping: a path analysis.
To uncover those factors that buffer the impact of stressful negative experiences on adolescent adjustment, a theoretical model of adolescent stress and coping, with social support and social problem solving proposed as moderators, was investigated using path analysis. The study was conducted with 122 ninth-and tenth-grade nonreferred high school students. Using the LISREL statistical package (Jöreskog & Sörbom, 1986), it was found that a recursive loop leading from stress outcomes back to negative stressors did not allow for a successful solution to the model. However, the effects of stressful events on adjustment were mediated by coping resources, which included a combination of problem-solving abilities and social support. Overall, the findings replicated previous investigations that have demonstrated direct relationships among stressful life events, social support, problem solving, and adolescent adjustment. While a successful fit to the theoretical model was not attained, it was concluded that a refined model may provide a more acceptable solution.
Printz
B L
BL
Pikes Peak BOCES, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80915, USA.
Shermis
M D
MD
Webb
P M
PM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011340:Problem Solving; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D013781:Texas