title: Trauma coping strategies and psychological distress: A meta-analysis.
abstract: The identification of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies following traumatic events has been the subject of much scientific inquiry. The current study sought through meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between the use of approach and avoidance strategies (both problem-focused and emotion/cognitive focused) following trauma and psychological distress. Thirty-nine studies of coping following two types of traumatic events (interpersonal violence and severe injury) were retained in the meta-analysis. There was a consistent association between avoidance coping and distress, overall r = .37, but no association between approach coping and distress, overall r = -.03, but some important moderators existed. Implications of the results for future research regarding coping and trauma recovery are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341-2447, USA. littleton@shsu.edu
authors.forename: Heather
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Littleton
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Horsley
authors.forename: Siji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: John
authors.forename: David V
authors.initials: DV
authors.lastname: Nelson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000523:psychology*