Assessing coping flexibility in real-life and laboratory settings: a multimethod approach

J Pers Soc Psychol. 2001 May;80(5):814-33. doi: 10.1037//0022-3514.80.5.814.

Abstract

This research sought to formulate a theoretically based conceptualization of coping flexibility and to adopt a multimethod approach in assessing this construct. A self-report daily measure and an experiment were designed geared to theoretical and empirical grounds. The new daily measure was used in Study 1 to examine coping flexibility in a life transition. Findings showed individual differences in patterns of coping flexibility across different real-life stressful events. In Study 2, coping flexibility was examined in both real-life and laboratory settings. Results replicated those of Study 1 and further revealed consistency between the self-report and the experiment data. Study 3 extended previous studies by adopting a longitudinal design over a 3-month time span. Participants' flexibility in coping with laboratory tasks was found to predict how flexible they would be in handling real-life stressful events.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Female
  • Gender Identity
  • Hong Kong
  • Humans
  • Individuality*
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Personality Inventory
  • Stress, Psychological*