Subjective well-being and coping with adversity

Abstract

This paper is concerned with identifying coping strategies which are effective in minimising the impact of adverse life events on subjective well-being and, in particular, on negative affect. Data are drawn from the 1983 and 1985 waves of the Victorian (Australian) Quality of Life Panel Study (N=734). Respondents completed a life events inventory (Henderson et al., 1981) and were then asked to identify the most adverse event they had dealt with in the last two years. They responded to a coping strategies inventory (Moos et al., 1984), indicating how they had dealt with this event. Instrumental, problem-solving strategies proved most effective in dealing with adversity related to work and finances, health, and personal relationships. Contrary to expectation, affective regulation strategies were ineffective, while avoidance and denial strategies were harmful.