Neuroticism and coping with anger: The trans-situational consistency of coping responses

Abstract

The present study examined the association between neuroticism and individuals' coping responses within and across irritating life events. Data on the magnitude and consistency of coping responses were collected using an experience sampling methodology (ESM). Over the course of 10 weeks, 149 undergraduate students provided information on their coping responses and thoughts in response to five naturally occurring anger situations (n obs = 745). Neuroticism scores were positively associated with higher ratings of the intensity, duration and situational importance of experiences. Furthermore, ANCOVA analyses revealed significant increases across Low, Moderate and High neuroticism groups on Avoiding and Self-Blaming coping styles. Trans-situational stability estimates were calculated using Generalizability Coefficients. These analyses revealed that subjects within the high neuroticism group were significantly less consistent across situations on four coping styles than the rest of the sample. The situational contexts and thought processes associated with fluctuations in coping style scores were examined.