Destructive Coping Strategies Research Articles

The relationship between coping strategies of extreme job holders and post-traumatic stress disorders

Extreme workers are constantly exposed to negative impact in the course of their work. Over time, excessive stress and traumatic events can cause symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result, employees are unable to fully function as specialists, which manifests in the destructive coping strategies. The aim of the study involves determining the symptoms of PTSD and related coping strategies of extreme workers. Methods. The study is based on the use of standardized PTSD diagnostic tests (Screen PC-PTSD, IES-R, SDS) and coping strategies of employees (CSI). Data processing was carried out using quantitative analysis and statistical methods: descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis. Results. The study showed that the symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, excitability, high depression, and destructive coping strategies is observed in emergency specialists with PTSD symptoms. It was established that specialists with PTSD symptoms have pronounced “avoidance” coping (p=0.000, β=0.082), while “problem solving” was dominant coping of specialists with no PTSD (p=0.000, β=-0.045). They have pronounced depression (p=0.000, β=0.25), as well as such symptoms as avoidance (p=0.000, β=0.27), excitability (p=0.000, β=0.33) and intrusion (p =0.000, β=0.31). Conclusions. The relationship between the PTSD symptoms of emergency workers and their coping strategies was empirically found. The avoidance strategy is the most typical for specialists with PTSD symptoms. Prospects. The obtained results can be used in the prevention of PTSD in emergency workers. They can also be used for building a model of comprehensive overcoming of the consequences of PTSD by these specialists.

Stronger coupling of emotional instability with reward processing in borderline personality disorder is predicted by schema modes.

Mood instability and risk-taking are hallmarks of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Schema modes are combinations of self-reflective evaluations, negative emotional states, and destructive coping strategies common in BPD. When activated, they can push patients with BPD into emotional turmoil and a dissociative state of mind. Our knowledge of the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms driving these changes is incomplete. We hypothesized that in patients with BPD, affective instability is more influenced by reward expectation, outcomes, and reward prediction errors (RPEs) during risky decision-making than in healthy controls. Additionally, we expected that these alterations would be related to schema modes. Thirty-two patients with BPD and thirty-one healthy controls were recruited. We used an established behavioral paradigm to measure mood fluctuations during risky decision-making. The impact of expectations and RPEs on momentary mood was quantified by a computational model, and its parameters were estimated with hierarchical Bayesian analysis. Model parameters were compared using High-Density Intervals. We found that model parameters capturing the influence of RPE and Certain Rewards on mood were significantly higher in patients with BPD than in controls. These model parameters correlated significantly with schema modes, but not with depression severity. BPD is coupled with altered associations between mood fluctuation and reward processing under uncertainty. Our findings seem to be BPD-specific, as they stand in contrast with the correlates of depressive symptoms. Future studies should establish the clinical utility of these alterations, such as predicting or assessing therapeutic response in BPD.

Ретроспективный анализ понятия «социальный интеллект»

The purpose of the research is a comparative analysis of the social intelligence concept, considered in philosophical and psychological-pedagogical literature, as well as concepts close to it – emotional intelligence, emotional flexibility and practical intelligence. This study reviews briefly foreign and national author’s concepts, starting from the 1900s. We describe the gradual transition of theories of intelligence to practical ways of measuring it, as well as the creation of basic ideas of social and emotional intelligence on their basis. Social intelligence allows being aware of and managing emotions, while denial and resistance to emotional experiences impose destructive coping strategies on the mind, which eventually cause severe and prolonged experiences. Ensuring successful activity, the processes of inter- and intrapersonal interaction are the basic functions of social and emotional intelligence. Despite the differences in methodological approaches to the study of the phenomenon of social intelligence, foreign and national researchers consider this phenomenon as a multidimensional dynamic, integral personal education having a multilevel hierarchical structure. Their works analyze and substantiate the close relationship of this type of psychological construct with other types of intelligence – emotional and practical.

Comparative analysis of priority coping strategies of student teachers of various courses

In the article, the author presents the results of an empirical study conducted as part of a master's thesis. The article is devoted to the study and comparison of the preferred coping strategies of coping behavior of students-teachers of different courses. The study involved students of the second and fourth courses in the amount of 99 people. Analysis of the study conducted by the author using the Mann-Whitney U test showed only one statistically significant difference between groups of students of different courses — in the parameter "Taking responsibility". The level of application of this coping strategy among fourth-year students is significantly higher than among second-year students. The data obtained in the course of the study allow us to conclude that, in general, the priority coping strategies for the coping behavior of future teachers are constructive strategies that contribute to solving the problem that has arisen, namely: self-control, planning, problem solving and positive reassessment. At the same time, the "flight-avoidance" strategy has a rather high rate in both groups of subjects. Respondents of both groups least often resort to such destructive coping strategies as confrontational coping and distancing. The results obtained for the parameter "search for social support" have equally high data in both groups of subjects, which allows us to conclude that there is a need for psychological support and support for students. The conducted comparative static analysis showed that with all the variety of coping strategies of coping behavior periodically used by all participants in the study, fourth-year students slightly, but still more often, use constructive behavior strategies in difficult and conflict situations compared to second-year students.

The Economic and Psychosocial Effects of COVID-19 on Alcohol Use in Grenada during Lockdown: A Discussion on Policy Solutions to Prevent Harmful Alcohol Consumption

In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, there has been an increase in alcohol consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The institution of lockdowns and consequent alcohol misuse has been associated with economic challenges and worsening psychosocial conditions. Stress-inducing changes in interpersonal, financial, and broader social dynamics have resulted in increased reports of depression, interpersonal abuse, aggressive behaviours, anxiety, and even suicidality, leading those affected to more frequent and more heavy alcohol use as a coping mechanism. This review focused on trends of alcohol use during the pandemic in Grenada, and it also explored the economic and psychosocial factors that contributed to adverse outcomes of alcohol use. In response to the destructive coping strategies associated with deteriorating mental health, the paper also proposed vigorous policy changes to mitigate the ongoing misuse of alcohol, particularly during future crises. Library databases, webpages of various governments and international agencies, and peer-reviewed journal sources were searched for data on global alcohol consumption during the 2020-2021 COVID-19 lockdown periods, focusing on Grenada. A total of 64 sources published between 1979-2021 were included based on their relevance. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of building resilient public health systems and addressing public health concerns such as excessive alcohol consumption.

УКРАЇНСЬКОМОВНА АДАПТАЦІЯ ШКАЛИ ДОБРОЯКІСНОЇ ТА ЗЛОЯКІСНОЇ ЗАЗДРОСТІ (BEMAS): АНАЛІЗ ПСИХОМЕТРИЧНИХ ПОКАЗНИКІВ

The aim of the work is to test and validate the Benign and Malicious Envy Scale (BeMaS) (Lange & Crusius, 2015) among a Ukrainian sample. The study involved 484 people aged 17 to 58 years (M = 24.5), 17.2% men and 82.8% women. The α-Cronbach index for BeMaS is 0.83 for the benign envy scale and 0.84 for the malignant envy scale, indicating a high level of homogeneity. As a result of exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory CFA analysis, two factors were identified in the BeMaS methodology: benign and malignant envy. The two-factor structure is consistent with conceptualizing envy not as a unidimensional construct, but as a two-dimensional construct that includes a benign and a malicious form of envy. Researchers suggest distinguishing malicious envy, which is characterized by hostility toward others of higher status, and benign envy, which motivates people to self-improvement instead of causing feelings of ill will (Crusius and Lange, 2014; Falcon, 2015). Both subscales were found to be reliable and internally consistent. The test reliability of BeMaS testifies to the high level of reliability of the Ukrainian version. The benign envy scale shows direct correlations with constructive coping (positive reformulation, personal growth, active coping, use of emotional social support), and personal resilience. Instead, the malicious envy scale has direct correlations with destructive coping strategies, including negative venting, denial, behavioral avoidance, and self-blame, as well as a direct correlation with depression and an inverse correlation with resilience. Both benign and malicious envy scales are directly related to narcissistic personality strategies: admiration and rivalry. BeMaS has a two-factor structure, good internal, discriminant, and predictive validity, and can serve as a measure of envy in Ukrainian.

Coping Strategies, Pain, and Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer.

Introduction: Each year, around 16,500 women in Poland are diagnosed with breast cancer, the second most common cause of death in women. In Poland, nearly 70,000 women live with breast cancer diagnosed within the last 5 years. Quality of life (QoL) research is particularly important in cancer patients, as it provides knowledge on their psychological and physical health, as well as the environment in which the patients function, all of which is essential to implementing multidisciplinary care involving the best use of the appropriate methods. Carrying the burden of cancer is a major challenge for patients. The strategy that patients use to cope with breast cancer significantly affects their quality of life. The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of coping strategies on the QoL in breast cancer patients. Material and Methods: The prospective study included a group of 202 women who had undergone surgical treatment for breast cancer at the Lower Silesian Cancer Center and who reported for follow-up appointments at the Oncology Clinic and the Surgical Oncology Clinic. For the study, we used the: EORTC QLQ-C30 cancer questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-BR23 module, Mental Adjustment to Cancer (Mini-MAC) scale, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, as well as the patients’ medical records, hospital records, and our own survey form. Results: The mean patient age was 53 years. Most patients had been diagnosed with cancer between one and two years before. In the women studied, there was a negative association between QoL and the choice of a destructive strategy for coping with cancer, and a positive one between QoL and a constructive coping strategy. Severe pain caused by the disease and its treatment significantly decreased the patients’ QoL in multiple domains. Conclusions: Patients choosing constructive strategies obtained higher QoL scores, while greater reliance on destructive coping strategies was associated with significantly worse QoL. In all functioning domains, higher levels of pain were associated with poorer QoL and more severe symptoms associated with the disease and its treatment.

Quality of Life in Women Subjected to Surgical Treatment of Breast Cancer Depending on the Procedure Performed within the Breast and Axillary Fossa-A Single-Center, One Year Prospective Analysis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients undergoing surgical treatment of breast cancer depending on the type of procedure involving the breast (mastectomy vs. breast conserving treatment) and axillary fossa (sentinel lymph node biopsy vs. axillary lymph node dissection). The prospective study was carried out in a group of 338 females undergoing breast cancer treatment. Study variables were assessed by means of a diagnostic survey using standardized QLQ C30 and BR23 questionnaires as well as the Acceptance of Illness Scale and Mini-MAC scales. The quality of life was assessed at threetime points: on the day before the surgical procedure (I assessment) as well as three and 12 months after surgery (II and III assessment). Statistically significant differences between study groups were observed in the overall quality of life subscale (I, II, III—p < 0.0001), physical functioning (I—p < 0.0001; II—p = 0.0413; III—p < 0.0001), role functioning (I—p = 0.0002; III—p < 0.0001), emotional functioning (III—p = 0.0082), cognitive functioning (I—p = 0.0112; III—p < 0.0001), social functioning (III—p < 0.0001), body image (I, II, III—p < 0.0001), and sexual functioning (I—p = 0.0233; III—p = 0.0011). In most symptomatic scales, significant (p < 0.05) differences were also noted. Mastectomy and limfadenectomy patients were significantly (p < 0.0001) more prone to present with destructive coping strategies one year after surgery. Breast conserving therapy is associated with better quality of life outcomes as compared to mastectomy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is associated with a lower intensity of adverse changes in multiple dimensions of patients’ functioning.

Empathy and Coping: Older Adults’ Social Encounters and Mood Throughout the Day

Scholars have proposed empathy as a key characteristic of strong social ties, but little is known about the role empathy plays when tensions occur in these ties. We examined whether older adults’ empathy was associated with their (a) coping strategies for interpersonal tensions, and (b) momentary mood when tensions occurred throughout the day. Data were from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study. Older adults (n = 302) rated empathy, reported avoidant, constructive, and destructive coping strategies, and indicated tensions and mood every 3 hours each day over 5 to 6 days. More empathic older adults used constructive strategies more often and destructive strategies less often than less empathic older adults. Interpersonal tensions were associated with reduced positive mood throughout the day, but this link was attenuated by older adults’ empathy. This study advances our understanding of empathy and social experiences in later life with a focus on the negative moments.

Empathy and Coping: Older Adults’ Interpersonal Tensions and Mood throughout the Day

Introduction: Scholars have proposed that empathy is a key feature of strong social ties, but less is known about the role empathy plays when tensions arise. Objective: We examined whether older adults’ empathy was associated with (a) coping strategies for interpersonal tensions, and (b) mood when there were tensions throughout the day. We also explored whether coping strategies explained the potential buffering effect of empathy on older adults’ momentary mood. Methods: Older adults (N = 302) from the Daily Experiences and Well-Being Study completed a baseline survey on empathy and coping strategies. They also completed ecological momentary assessments every 3 hours each day for 5–6 days, which included questions about interpersonal tensions and mood. This study considered tensions with close partners (e.g., family and friends) and with non-close partners (e.g., acquaintances and service providers). Results: In the face of interpersonal tensions, more empathic older adults reported using more constructive and less destructive coping strategies than less empathic older adults, regardless of their closeness to social partners. Being more empathic also buffered older adults’ mood when tensions occurred with close partners, but this buffering effect was not mediated by older adults’ general preference for coping strategies. Conclusion: This study advances our understanding of empathy and interpersonal tensions in later life, with a focus on daily experiences.

Psychological resistance of student youth to information stress in the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction. Self-isolation, accompanied by intensive inclusion in the digital information environment, has led to a deterioration in students’ psychological well-being and the emergence of information stress. Information stress is associated with the compulsive use of social networks, viewing aggressive news content, disseminating misinformation. The purpose of the study was to study the features of information behavior, psychological stability and ways to cope with information stress for Russian students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study participants and methods. The sample consisted of 218 students from Moscow and Ivanovo aged 18 to 26 (M=19.5) (33% men, 67% women). A specially developed questionnaire was used to identify the features of students’ information behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic; to assess psychological stability and determine coping strategies in conditions of information stress, the methodology “Questionnaire of Coping Methods” (QCM) was used (R. Lazarus, S. Folkman, in Russian-language adaptation by T.L. Kryukova, E.V. Kuftyak, M.S. Zamyshlyaeva). Results and scientific novelty. The cluster analysis allowed identifying four types of students’ information behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: phobic (20%), cognitive (45%), nihilistic (20%) and circulating behavior (15%). To a greater extent, in order to cope with information stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, student youth use constructive coping strategies for planning (xave = 58.5±21.7), positive reassessment (xave = 51.9±19.3), self-control (xave = 47.5±17.8), characterized by a purposeful analysis of the situation and possible behavior options, including the determination of personal development directions. Besides, a significant part of students resort to the use of destructive coping strategies of avoidance, confrontation, distancing, caused by negative experiences, leading to the circulation of unofficial information about the pandemic. Half of the respondents need social support. The regression analysis made it possible to identify predictors of psychological resistance (coping strategies) to information stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practical significance. The identified types of information behavior can be used in educational work with students and their psychological support in order to personalize the communicative impact, as well as in the monitoring system of students’ psychological state and their perception of risks, the level of awareness and trust in the information received, the adoption of established rules and the willingness to follow them.

Психологическая технология предупреждения деструктивных копинг-стратегий у руководителей органов внутренних дел Российской Федерации

Psychotechnologies for preventing destructive coping strategies are important not only for employees of the moral and psychological support unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, but also for the leaders and employees of internal affairs bodies of the Russian Federation who are interested in their psychological health and in effectively solving the tasks facing the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia. Despite the fact that a significant amount of research by both foreign and domestic scientists is devoted to the study of personality coping, comprehensively preventive work to prevent and correct destructive coping strategies is not carried out. The formation of destruction in coping behavior is characteristic of the professional activities of law enforcement officers, the most prone to this psychological phenomenon, are leaders.&#x0D; Destructions in the coping behavior of employees of the internal affairs bodies are a consequence of the state of emotional, mental and psychophysical exhaustion, determined by the conditions of professional activity, excessive workload and emotional interpersonal communication. Coping behavior is of a destructive nature and adversely affects the professional activities of the policeman and his personality.&#x0D; To prevent and correct the destruction in coping behavior, the heads and employees of the internal affairs bodies offer an algorithm of psychotechnological actions in the article.

Influence of Coping Strategy on Perception of Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of cognitive adjustment to cancer, assessed on the mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer (mini-MAC) scale, on perception of anxiety and depression, assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, in patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). There were 185 patients, grouped according to the score of mini-MAC into constructive coping strategies, balanced coping strategies, and destructive coping strategies. We found that patients with predominantly destructive coping strategies had a higher level of anxiety than those with balanced or constructive strategies (10.9 vs. 9.3 vs. 6.3 points, respectively; p<0.001). Likewise, symptoms of depression were more pronounced in patients having destructive coping strategies than in those with balanced or constructive strategies (11.9 vs. 8.8 vs. 5.8 points, respectively; p<0.001). We further found that constructive coping strategy was a significant independent predictor of lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms. Other predictors included symptomatic treatment and a good nutritional status, while pain, chemotherapy, and poor performance status exacerbated the negative emotions. We conclude that cognitive adjustments to having cancer outstandingly modify the development of anxiety and depression in NSCLC patients, which also influences the choice of treatment and the treatment process itself. Thus, psychological assessment is essential in clinical practice and care for patients with lung cancer.

Adolescents in the Face of a Social Conflict Situation. The Analysis of Determinants of Destructive Coping Strategies

Mlodziez w obliczu sytuacji konfliktu spolecznego. Analiza uwarunkowan destruktywnych strategii radzenia sobie. Streszczenie. Celem badan bylo ustalenie osobowościowych i rodzinnych uwarunkowan destruktywnych (agresja, unik, uleglośc) strategii radzenia sobie mlodziezy w sytuacji konfliktu spolecznego. W badaniach posluzono sie Kwestionariuszem do badania strategii radzenia sobie mlodziezy w sytuacji konfliktu spolecznego (KSMK) D.Boreckiej-Biernat, Kwestionariuszem Oceny Stresu (KOS) D.Wlodarczyk, K.Wrześniewskiego, Trojczynnikowym Inwentarzem Stanow i Cech Osobowości (TISCO) C.Spielbergera, K.Wrześniewskiego i Skalą Postaw Rodzicielskich (SPR) M.Plopy oraz Kwestionariuszem do badania strategii radzenia sobie rodzicow w sytuacji konfliktu spolecznego w percepcji dziecka (SRwSK) D.Boreckiej-Biernat. Badania empiryczne przeprowadzono w szkolach gimnazjalnych we Wroclawiu i okolicznych miejscowościach. Objely one 893 adolescentow (468 dziewczynek i 425 chlopcow) w wieku 13-15 lat. W świetle przeprowadzonych badan stwierdzono, ze ocena sytuacji konfliktu jako zagrozenie i krzywda/strata oraz przezywanie emocji negatywnych (gniew, lek) w sytuacji stwarzającej zagrozenie realizacji osobistych zamierzen wspolwystepuje z destruktywnym sposobem reagowania mlodziezy na napiecie emocjonalne w sytuacji konfliktu spolecznego. Ponadto analiza wynikow badan wskazala, ze destruktywny sposob reagowania adolescentow na napiecie emocjonalne w sytuacji konfliktu spolecznego ksztaltują nieprawidlowe postawy wychowawcze charakteryzujące sie uczuciowym dystansem rodzica w stosunku do dorastającego dziecka, stawianiem mu wygorowanych wymagan i przesadnym angazowaniem sie we wszystkie jego sprawy oraz destruktywny wzor reagowania rodzicow na konflikt.

Assessment of quality of life in women five years after breast cancer surgery, members of Breast Cancer Self-Help Groups - non-randomized, cross-sectional study.

Aim of the studyTo assess the quality of life in patients treated for breast cancer who were 5 years after diagnosis and were active members of Breast Cancer Self-Help Groups.Material and methodsThe study had a non-randomized, cross-sectional design. We enrolled 167 women who were more than 5 years after mastectomy and were active members of Breast Cancer Self-Help Groups (group A1). As a control group we enrolled 117 women after mastectomy – not members of such support groups (group A2). For the evaluation of the quality of life in both groups we used the following standardized questionnaires – EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-BR23 as well the Mini-MAC scale for the assessment of strategies of coping with disease.ResultsBased on QLQ C30 scores, group A1 had better emotional functioning (p = 0.0005) and a higher general quality of life (p = 0.0259), whereas group A2 had better role functioning (p = 0.0042). Based on QLQ BR23 scores, there were statistically significant differences in body image (p = 0.0366) and life perspectives (p = 0.0313) in favor of group A1. In the control group, there was a greater use of destructive coping strategies and anxious preoccupation (p = 0.1957).ConclusionsMembership in Amazon groups improves functioning in breast cancer patients that can also extend into a five-year period after treatment completion.

A new instrument to predict smoking cessation among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an observational longitudinal study of the Trying To Quit smoking questionnaire.

The Trying To Quit smoking questionnaire (TTQ), was developed to measure pressure-filled mental states, use of destructive pressure-relief strategies and ambivalent thoughts about quitting smoking among patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the TTQ (available in an extended and in a reduced version) can be used to predict smoking cessation outcomes in smokers with COPD. As higher TTQ scores indicate higher degree of psychological distress, we hypothesised that TTQ scores at baseline would be negatively correlated with the probability of making a quit attempt, reducing the intensity of smoking and achieving complete abstinence during the 3 months. Smokers with COPD were recruited during planned or unplanned visits to primary healthcare centres, and 109 completed the TTQ at baseline and 85% participated in the follow-up after 3 months. Logistic regression was used to measure the association between the original (19 items) and the brief (14 item) version of TTQ scores and three outcomes: making at least one quit attempt, reducing the intensity of smoking and achieving complete abstinence. In a primary analysis among all the participants higher total score in the original version of TTQ was significantly associated with a lower probability of quit attempts. In a secondary analysis of subgroups of patients classified according to their readiness to quit, high TTQ scores at baseline were associated with lower probability of complete abstinence among patients not ready to quit (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.53–0.99). Among patients ready to quit, high score on pressure-filled mental states was associated with lower probability of quit attempts (OR=0.78; 95% CI=0.66–0.94) but with higher probability of reduced smoking (OR=1.32; 95% CI=1.05–1.66). Ambivalent thoughts were associated with lower probability of all outcomes, but estimates were not statistically significant. Destructive coping strategies were inconsistently associated with the outcomes. TTQ in its original version and two of its subscales predicted smoking cessation outcomes in the anticipated direction. Therefore, this instrument may be useful in tailoring smoking cessation counselling for patients with COPD.

Cognitive and emotional determinants for destructive coping strategies by junior high school students in a social conflict situation

Abstract My research purpose was to evaluate the contribution of self-evaluation, the locus of control and emotions in generating destructive coping strategies by junior high school students in a social conflict situation. I used the proprietary questionnaire to test adolescents’ coping strategies (KSMK), Self-evaluation Scale (SES) by M. Rosenberg, the Locus of Control Questionnaire (KBPK) by G. Krasowicz and A. Kurzyp-Wojnarska, and the Three-Factor Inventory of Personality States and Traits (TISCO) by C. Spielberger and K. Wrześniewski. Empirical studies were carried out in junior high schools in Wroclaw and the surrounding area. They involved 893 adolescents (468 girls and 425 boys) aged 13‒15. I stated in my research that low self-evaluation of a young man’s abilities, a strong conviction about the impact others have on positive or negative consequences of events and reacting with fear and anger co-exists with destructive adolescent coping strategies.

Longitudinal Changes in Dental Fear and Coping Behavior in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Cleft Lip and/or Cleft Palate.

To determine changes in dental anxiety levels of cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) children and to explore the role of coping strategies in the development of their dental anxiety. Prospective study. Free University Medical Center Amsterdam. A sample of CL/P children (at T1: n = 153, 4 to 18 years, 67 girls; at T2: n = 113, 7 to 21 years, 51 girls). Data were available at both time points for 102 children. Dental anxiety and coping strategies were assessed at the start of the study (T1; mean age: 9.8 years, standard deviation 4.1) and 3 years later (T2; mean age: 13.4 years, standard deviation 3.8). These scores were compared to a normative group of Dutch children. The severity of dental anxiety was indexed using the Parental Version of the Dental Subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule. Dental coping strategies were assessed with the Dental Cope Questionnaire. Overall, dental anxiety decreased to a level equal to normative scores of Dutch children. However, 5% of the children became more anxious. At T2, children used significantly fewer coping strategies. Children whose level of dental anxiety increased significantly used more destructive coping strategies than children whose level of dental anxiety decreased significantly or remained stable. Results suggest that dental anxiety levels of most CL/P children gradually decline over time. Whereas some coping strategies have the potential to be protective, more destructive coping strategies may put children at greater risk for developing and maintaining their dental anxiety.

Dental fear and expected effectiveness of destructive coping as predictors of children's uncooperative intentions in dental settings.

To explore the mechanisms by which some children select disruptive behaviours to cope with stressful dental events. In particular, the relationships between dental fear, expected effectiveness of destructive coping, and intentions of displaying uncooperative behaviours were analysed. Participants were 170 children who filled out a questionnaire survey. Descriptive statistics by gender and group age as well as comparisons of means were calculated. Spearman's rho correlation coefficients and binary logistic regression analysis were used to test hypotheses of the relationships among variables. Both dental fear and the expected effectiveness of destructive coping strategies were significantly associated with children's uncooperative intentions at the dentist. In addition, children who strongly endorsed the effectiveness of destructive coping strategies had a higher probability of uncooperative intentions as dental fear increased. In contrast, this relationship was not statistically significant among children who did not expect negative behaviours to be effective. Children's expectations about the effectiveness of destructive coping behaviours can help explain variations in the use of these strategies in stressful dental situations. Dental fear as well as children's inadequate expectancies about coping alternatives should be explored and targeted to prevent and modify uncooperative behaviour intentions at the dentist.

A study on police stressors, coping strategies, and somatization symptoms among South Korean frontline police officers

Purpose – Using a sample of male police officers in South Korea, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether police stressors revealed in the western literature are also applicable in the South Korean context. Design/methodology/approach – Officers stationed at 16 frontline substations in a large metropolitan city reported the frequency with which they had been exposed to seven classes of police stressors and perceived somatization symptoms. Findings – Work-family conflict and victimization at the hands of citizens were revealed as the significant predictors of officers’ stress-related somatization symptoms. Unlike western studies, the present study did not reveal moderating effects of coping strategies and social support. Stressors’ effects on somatization symptoms, however, were mediated by destructive coping strategies. Originality value – This study contributes to the comparative literature on police stress.