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The influence of divorce on coping in adolescence

Journal of Youth and Adolescence volume 17, pages 135–145 (1988)Cite this article

Abstract

The present study explored the relations between family status and coping processes in adolescence. Given the inconsistent findings with regard to the divorce experience, our intent was to determine if coping strategies endorsed by adolescents are related to family status. Further, appraisals of stressfulness, controllability, and perceived outcome of stressful situations were examined in relation to family status and coping strategies endorsed. Adolescents of divorced parents more frequently endorsed theoretically less mature, defensive coping strategies. Sex differences were noted in the intact group, while males and females in the divorce group were more alike in their coping responses. Appraisal variables were differentially related to coping behaviors in each group.

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Author information

Affiliations

  1. Graduate student, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, Developmental Psychology, Louisiana State University, USA

    Jane C. Irion, Robert C. Coon & Fredda Blanchard-Fields

Authors
  1. Jane C. Irion
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  2. Robert C. Coon
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  3. Fredda Blanchard-Fields
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Additional information

Received Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. Research interest is cognitive development.

Received Ph.D. from Wayne State University. Research interest is adult cognitive development.

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Irion, J.C., Coon, R.C. & Blanchard-Fields, F. The influence of divorce on coping in adolescence. J Youth Adolescence 17, 135–145 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537963

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01537963

Keywords

  • Health Psychology
  • Coping Strategy
  • Stressful Situation
  • Coping Behavior
  • Inconsistent Finding