ERIC Number: EJ722137
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005-Dec
Pages: 11
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0007-0998
EISSN: N/A
Stress and Coping Strategies among Zimbabwean Adolescents
Magaya, Lindiwe; Asner-Self, Kimberly K.; Schreiber, James B.
British Journal of Educational Psychology, v75 n4 p661-671 Dec 2005
Background: Stress and social support influence adolescents' coping strategies. Adolescents need to acquire a large repertoire of coping strategies in light of a rapidly changing socio-economic and political situation. Aim: This study reports on the coping strategies of Zimbabwean adolescents and highlights some major stressors they face. The interplay among stress, social support and the coping strategies of Zimbabwean adolescents are also reported. Sample: A sample of 101 Zimbabwean students (ages 17-19) participated in this study. Results: Zimbabwean adolescents experienced slight stress as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale. Major stressors included schoolwork, relationships, social life and financial hardship. Females reported a higher level of perceived stress than males. Zimbabwean adolescents reported having fewer social provisions than the norm group. Results from the Ways of Coping Scale indicated that Zimbabwean adolescents use emotion-focused strategies more frequently than problem-solving strategies. Conclusion: The implications of the study are that Zimbabwean adolescents may need to acquire a larger repertoire of coping skills adding to what they may already have. Problem-solving skills need to be employed in face of today's challenging situations.
Descriptors: Measures (Individuals), Social Life, Late Adolescents, Problem Solving, Coping, Gender Differences, Foreign Countries, Stress Management, Financial Problems, Assignments
The British Psychological Society, St Andrews House, 48 Princess Road, East Leicester, LE1 7DR UK. Tel: 0116-254-9568.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Zimbabwe
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A