ERIC Number: EJ734995
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 15
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0095-7984
EISSN: N/A
Coping and Social Support as Mediators of the Relation of Optimism to Depressive Symptoms among Black College Students
Mosher, Catherine E.; Prelow, Hazel M.; Chen, William W.; Yackel, Molly E.
Journal of Black Psychology, v32 n1 p72-86 2006
This investigation examines mechanisms through which optimism may influence psychological adjustment among 133 Black college students. Specifically, this study evaluates the extent to which active and avoidant coping and social support account for the association between optimism and depressive symptoms. Participants completed questionnaires that included the Life Orientation Test--Revised, the COPE, the Social Provisions Scale, and the 12-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Avoidant coping and social support mediated the relation between optimism and depressive symptoms, whereas active coping did not mediate this relationship. Results partially replicate those of prior research and illustrate the need for culturally sensitive theory regarding the combined effect of personality, coping strategies, and social support on psychological adjustment to stressful situations. (Contains 1 figure and 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Coping, Social Support Groups, Depression (Psychology), Symptoms (Individual Disorders), African American Students, College Students, Measures (Individuals), Personality Traits, Student Adjustment
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A