The role of emotionality and self-regulation in the appraisal–coping process: tests of direct and moderating effects

Abstract

Temperament negative emotionality, positive emotionality, and self-regulation were investigated as predictors of children's appraisal and coping styles and adjustment problems in a community sample of children (8–12 years, N=101). Mother and child reports of negative life events, temperament, and adjustment problems were obtained, and children reported on their threat and positive appraisals, active and avoidant coping styles. Negative emotionality was positively associated with threat appraisals, avoidant coping, and adjustment problems above the effects of negative life events. Self-regulation predicted more active coping and lower adjustment problems. Contrary to prediction, positive emotionality was not related to positive appraisals or active coping, but predicted lower adjustment problems independently of those variables. The results suggest that negative emotionality engenders a style of appraisal and coping that exacerbates the effects of stress, whereas self-regulation may mitigate the effects of stress on children's adjustment problems.