Coping related predictors of adjustment for bereaved and non-bereaved college students
Abstract
Using hierarchical multiple regression analyses, the present study examined which coping methods (i.e., problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, social support, alcohol intake, and drinking to cope) predicted better overall college adjustment (i.e., social adjustment, personal-emotional adjustment, academic adjustment, and attachment adjustment) for bereaved and non-bereaved students. The results indicated that avoidant emotion-focused coping was a negative predictor of college adjustment, and social support from friends was a positive predictor of college adjustment for both the bereaved and non-bereaved students. For bereaved students, social support from family was also a positive predictor of college adjustment. For non-bereaved students, problem-focused coping was a positive predictor of college adjustment and drinking to cope was a negative predictor of adjustment. Multiple analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) indicated significant group differences between bereaved and non-bereaved students in the area of personal-emotional adjustment, with bereaved students reporting lower personal-emotional adjustment than their non-bereaved peers. Finally, the data indicated that emotional-closeness to the deceased, avoidant emotion-focused coping, and alcohol intake were significant and positive coping-related predictors of grief symptoms for bereaved college students. The contrast between coping related predictors of adjustment and grief for bereaved college students is discussed.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Servaty-Seib, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Educational psychology|Clinical psychology
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