title: Coping strategies and depression in Puerto Rican adolescents: an exploratory study.
abstract: The use of inadequate coping strategies in stressful situations results in the development of depression in adolescents. This study identified coping strategies used by Puerto Rican adolescents and evaluated the relationship between coping and depression. Fifty-one adolescents participated in the study. Results indicated that the most frequently used coping strategy was developing positive perceptions about life situations. Significant differences were observed according to the severity of depressive symptoms. Investing in family relationships and developing positive perceptions about life situations seemed to reduce depression. Furthermore, the strategies of investing in family relationships and relieving tension through diversion were the variables with more predictive value for depression. The importance of exploring coping responses within the cultural context of the adolescent is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Colomba
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Santiago
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosselló
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000208:ethnology*; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011647:Puerto Rico / Q000453:epidemiology; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012944:Social Support