Stress, coping, and behavioural problems among rural and urban adolescents.
Rural/urban differences were studied in self-reported stress (life events, daily hassles and conflict), coping and behavioural problems in a community sample of adolescents. Despite challenging socioeconomic conditions in rural areas, levels of stress and ways of coping were similar in rural and urban adolescents. However, urban males reported more conflict and externalizing behaviours than females and rural males. Stress, coping, and behavioural problems were interrelated but approach coping did not moderate the influence of stress on psychological functioning. Results suggest that adolescents may utilize many coping strategies that serve little benefit in terms of behavioural outcomes.
Elgar
Frank J
FJ
School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, Glamorgan Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3WT, UK. ElgarF@Cardiff.ac.uk
Arlett
Christine
C
Groves
Renee
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008297:Male; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador; D010555:Personality Inventory; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data