Perceptions Of Coping Research Articles

Gender and Adaptation to Climate Change: Perspectives from a Pastoral Community in Gujarat, India

ABSTRACTAdaptation of rural communities to climate change has garnered much attention recently. Within this body of knowledge, two omissions are notable: first, while adaptation and coping responses of agricultural communities to climate variability and extremes are discussed extensively in rural planning, pastoral and agro‐pastoral communities are neglected, homogenized, or considered ancillary to sedentarized agriculture. The mechanisms used by these communities to confront socio‐economic and institutional limitations to climate adaptation remain relatively unexamined. Second, not much is known about pastoral women's perceptions of climate adaptation and coping. This article examines the socially situated perspective of women in the Maldhari pastoral community in Gujarat, Western India. Findings reveal that climate adaptation pathways traditionally utilized by the Maldharis are constrained by the institutional, policy and social context in which the community is placed, with specific impacts on women. The lack of recourse to traditional adaptation pathways in the face of climate vulnerability triggers coping responses for survival, livelihoods and food security, which produce gendered burdens especially in terms of women's work. Local perspectives thus shed light on how constraints to climate adaptation impact women in marginalized pastoral communities.

Physician perceptions of children's coping with asthma are associated with children's psychosocial and disease functioning.

Low-income, ethnic minority children disproportionately face poor asthma control, and poorly controlled asthma is related to psychosocial difficulties. This study assessed physician reports of coping in child patients and examined associations between physician reports of child coping and parent and child reports of children's coping, psychosocial, and asthma outcomes (asthma-related stress, emotional and behavioral problems, asthma control, and school missed due to asthma). Physicians reported on coping in their patients (N = 67) ages 5-17 with asthma. Parents reported on child coping, asthma-related stress, emotional and behavioral problems, asthma control, and school missed due to asthma. Children ages 9-17 provided self-reports. Physicians' reports of primary control coping (e.g., problem solving) and secondary control coping (e.g., cognitive restructuring) were not associated with parent ratings of corresponding coping strategies, but physician reports of disengagement coping (e.g., avoidance) were correlated with parent reports of disengagement and secondary control coping. Physician perceptions of higher child primary control, and lower disengagement, were correlated with less parent-reported stress, better asthma control, and for primary control, fewer partial days of school missed. Physician reports were not correlated with child reports of coping, but physician reports of disengagement were correlated with child-reported conduct problems. Findings suggest that physician reports of child coping provide independent information from parent and child reports of coping, and could be leveraged to identify and intervene with patients who are at elevated risk for poor outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record

The golden year: How functional recovery sets the stage for tendon transfer surgery among patients with tetraplegia—a qualitative analysis

BackgroundTendon transfer surgery can effectively improve hand function for patients with tetraplegia but remains poorly utilized. Little is known regarding how patients’ rehabilitation experiences influence their perception of function, identity, and coping to shape their reconstructive context. MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional qualitative analysis of 19 participants with C4–C7 cervical spinal injuries: 9 patients had undergone reconstruction; 10 had not. Semistructured interviews were conducted using an interview guide focusing on rehabilitation experience, the relationship between function and identity, and how patient experience evolved. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory. ResultsThe study sample was predominantly male (79%), white (89%), and American Spinal Injury Association grades A–D (grade A: 42%; grade B: 32%; grade C: 16%; grade D: 10%). Recognizing rehabilitation's necessity, functional gains, and constructive patient–therapist relationships promoted engagement in therapy. Poor insurance coverage and financial constraints decreased rehabilitation access. Function affected identity through the degree to which it tied participants to a “patient” role. Early in recovery, patients’ function, roles, and attitudes were fluid but solidified over time; how satisfied patients were with these final positions influenced how they coped. ConclusionThe balance of patients’ positive and negative coping has been found to influence patients’ progression to surgery. This study describes how function and identity contribute to coping. Participants’ function and identity evolved during a finite period we call “the golden year,” before reaching a fixed point around which they built their lives. The norms patients establish during this time may affect receptiveness to surgery.

Vitimização e Percepção do Bullying: Relação com a Sintomatologia Depressiva de Adolescentes

A presente pesquisa objetivou conhecer a relação entre vitimização, percepção acerca do bullying, e sintomatologia depressiva no contexto de adolescentes escolares. Para isso, contou-se com uma amostra de 243 adolescentes com uma média de idade de 14,81 (DP=1,41). Esses responderam à Escala de Percepção sobre o Bullying Escolar, à Escala Califórnia de Vitimização do Bullying, e ao Inventário de Depressão Infantil (CDI-20). Os principais resultados apontaram para efeitos da vitimização na percepção do enfrentamento frente ao bullying e na sintomatologia depressiva. Também foram verificados que os alunos do sexo feminino, do ensino médio, que se sentem seguros na escola, apresentaram uma maior percepção de enfrentamento frente ao bullying. Já os alunos do sexo masculino, do ensino fundamental, que se sentem inseguros na escola, apresentam-se como sendo os mais vitimizados. Quanto à sintomatologia depressiva, os alunos do ensino fundamental e que se sentem inseguros na escola, apontaram para maiores índices. Ademais, confia-se que esses achados podem contribuir para um aprofundamento teórico e conceitual acerca do bullying e seu correlato com a depressão em escolares adolescentes. Espera-se que os resultados desse estudo possam contribuir para implementação de políticas públicas voltadas para promoção de saúde desse grupo identitário.

Some risks of informal business in Russia – a case study from Saint Petersburg

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe some risks and risk-taking when launching and running business in Russia during the socio-economic transformation. The risks are related to informal economy.Design/methodology/approachThe research material consists of 11 thematic interviews of families, who launched and ran a business during the turn of the millennium and follow-up interviews. The interviews were extracted from a larger material of 100 interviews and 40 follow-ups focusing on household coping in Russian socio-economic transformation.FindingsThe paper focusses on risky shuttle trade as well as crime-related risks of business, as poignant illustrations of problems of entrepreneurship linked with informal economy. The risks are seen as social facts, objective or constructed, in some cases pointing out also how people speak about them. The testimonial stories of business show an individual or family focus on the risks, without major concern for legitimacy of action, albeit a need for distinction toward other corresponding risk-takers.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings illustrate important aspects of informal economy in Russia, but they cannot be generalized. It would be most useful to carry out qualitative studies of small business to assess perception and construction of risks and coping with them, capturing the views of entrepreneurs themselves.Originality/valueThere is rather little micro-level information concerning the risks or uncertainty when launching and running business in the Russian Federation. Qualitative data enable deeper understanding of sensitive issues. The paper wants to introduce the concept of risk into the social research of informal economy.

A Study of a Diet Improvement Method for Controlling High Sodium Intake Based on Protective Motivation Theory

High sodium dietary habits may cause various diseases, thereby threatening the public health. Various efforts have been made to control high sodium use in diets, but few studies have been conducted on health communication efforts to modify such habits. This study looks for suggestions for diet improvement education by examining whether or not high sodium dietary habits can be predicted by a consumer’s perception on the threat and controllability of high sodium diets. In this study, a questionnaire was developed to measure the severity, vulnerability, efficiency, efficacy, and behavioral tendencies of the consumer, which were subscales of the protective motivation theory. The questionnaire was given to university students and their families in Chungnam Province. The results of a statistical analysis were as follows: First, more young people preferred high-sodium diets than older people. Second, the correlation analysis showed that older people knew that they were vulnerable to the negative effects of high sodium diets, but they would not change their dietary habits until they were confident that they could control the high-sodium diet. Third, the structural model analysis showed that the higher the coping perception was, the lower was the tendency to consume a high-sodium diet. These results suggest that in the effort to reduce high-sodium diets, it is more effective to provide viable information and improve efficacy.

Using efficacy cues in persuasive health communication is more effective than employing threats - An experimental study of a vaccination intervention against Ebola.

Although much effort has been made to study fear appeals in persuasive health communication, there is still mixed support for the effectiveness of this approach. Therefore, this research investigated the effect of invoked fear via health communication messages on crucial components of the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) by focusing on the rarely examined interaction between perceptions of threat and efficacy and their effects on fear control and danger control processes as well as health-relevant outcomes. We recruited 447 participants (Mage =32.00years; 64% female) for a 2×2 between-subjects experimental study via quota sampling. While completing an online questionnaire, subjects were randomly assigned to view one of four versions of a mock website containing information about vaccinations against Ebola virus disease (EVD), which varied in threat and efficacy. After seeing the stimulus, participants completed assessments of their perceptions of threat and efficacy, evoked fear, adaptive and defensive responses to the presented message, attitudes, and intentions. Structure equationmodelling (SEM) was used to analyse the relationships within the model (EPPM). Promoting efficacy with respect to EVD was more effective than emphasizing threat, resulting in danger control rather than fear control processes. Although threat may be effective in attracting peoples' attention, there is a comparatively small effect of evoked fear on attitudes and intentions. The data support the assumption that there is an important association between threat and coping appraisals facilitating behaviour change. Moreover, the widely held notion that people have to be scared or threatened to encourage attitude and behaviour changes should be treated with caution. Communication should instead focus on efficacy to foster adaptive responses. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? There is mixed support for the effectiveness of fear appeals in persuasive health communication, especially regarding the interaction of threat perceptions and coping appraisals for fear and danger control processes. The Extended Parallel Process Model - being a current and often applied model to investigate the effects of fear appeals - suggests a multiplicative relationship between threat perceptions and coping perceptions Most studies applying conventional analysis strategies (e.g., [M] ANOVAs) indicate that perceptions and appraisals of threat and efficacy are not directly related to each other. What does this study add? It demonstrates the parallelism and interaction between threat appraisal and coping appraisal processes and demonstrates the usefulness of SEM in testing associations within the EPPM. It confirms the assumption of an important multiplicative association between threat and coping appraisals within the EPPM, while related cognitive processes still seem to operate independently. Adaptive responses to persuasive messages are mainly triggered using efficacy cues, not threat, which could also be triggered by promoting positive emotional experiences (e.g., gain-framing or entertainment education).

What You Sow Is What You Reap? (Dis-)Incentives for Adaptation Intentions in Farming

Adaptation by farmers and other land managers responsible for climate-sensitive activities is central to ensuring resilience in the face of ongoing climate variability and change. However, there remains an adaptation deficit among agricultural producers: action to reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change is insufficient. To motivate adaptation, diverse incentives are in place most notably through the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy which offers financial incentives to farmers. However, the effect of incentives on behaviour appears to be low. To better understand adaptation intentions, we report on the results of a survey experiment assessing framing effects on German farmers. Four framings of adaptation motifs—financial, norms, risk awareness, and technological innovation—are tested against a socio-cognitive model based on Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). According to PMT, adaptation intentions are a function of an individual’s risk and coping appraisal. Results show that, contrary to assumptions of profit maximizing individuals, economic incentives trigger fewer overall change intentions. Economic rewards do act on risk perception, but are less likely to trigger coping perception, while other treatments do. As coping perception is one of two socio-cognitive reactions to climate change, financial incentive structures fail to act on about half the factors leading to adaptation intentions. These effects dependent on subgroups, farm structures, and are mediated by climate experience. To support transitions towards robust adaptation, adaptation incentives must move beyond financial framings alone, and leverage on farmers’ recent experiences with adverse climate impacts, understandings of climate change, and the influence of social norms.

Bumps in the Road: Exploring Teachers' Perceptions of Student Stress and Coping

ABSTRACTAmong the most visible advocates for children is the elementary school teacher, who plays a crucial role in helping students identify and cope adaptively with stress. For teachers to perform this role successfully, there must be greater understanding of their perceptions of student stress, coping, and teacher-guided approaches for support. Using a social constructivist paradigm, this study explored the perspectives of eight teachers (grades 3-5) from two schools in the southwestern United States. By integrating phenomenology (qualitative) with a modified Q-sort design (quantitative), results show the influences of high-stakes testing and peer conflict as widely discussed in the eyes of teachers. Although experienced teachers appeared confident in their abilities to communicate with children about stress and to generate recommendations for improved day-to-day classroom practice, they also appeared frustrated by the systemic pressures which they perceived as negatively affecting young people. The identified stressors, methods of coping, and recommendations can be used by teachers and other educational practitioners (such as school psychologists and counselors) to facilitate dialogue around children's wellbeing for their school and community.

Experience of associative stigma in parents of adolescents at risk for psychosis.

This qualitative study examined the lived experience of associative stigma for parents of adolescents at clinical high risk for psychosis. A central goal was to empower families to tell their stories and to use the themes that emerge from this narrative data to make recommendations that might support families coping with a loved one being diagnosed with risk for psychosis. Twelve parents of adolescents diagnosed with the clinical high risk for psychosis syndrome were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. The qualitative study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to focus on experiences of associative stigma and the way parents make sense of these experiences. From these interviews, the researcher identified themes and subthemes categorized into major domains that represent topics particularly relevant to these 12 parents. Two main domains emerged as particularly salient to parents' experiences with associative stigma: perceptions of stigma and coping with stigma. Participants' insights demonstrated increased experience of stigma associated with psychotic-like symptoms as compared to other psychiatric symptoms, attempts to balance fighting against stigma with the privacy needs of adolescents, and participation in research as less stigmatizing than non-specialty care. Stigma impacted treatment-seeking and participation in family groups that were seen as both potentially supportive and threatening. The interviews provided an opportunity for these families to voice their unique experiences, which expands the literature on the topic of caregivers of adolescents at risk for psychosis as treatment programs for the clinical high risk syndrome expand across the United States.

Youth perceptions of stress and coping when transitioning to adulthood with autism: A photovoice study

Transitioning into adulthood can be challenging and stressful process for youth living with autism spectrum disorder. Few studies have examined the perspectives of youth with autism spectrum disorder during the transition to adulthood. Using the participatory methodology of photovoice among 11 young adults with autism spectrum disorder aged 18–23, this study’s aim was to identify strategies and resources youth with autism spectrum disorder utilize to cope with stress when transitioning to adulthood. Qualitative phenomenological analysis of participant narratives and photographs revealed four main themes. These included: (1) utilizing music, books, and physical exercise; (2) seeking support; (3) spirituality; and (4) building self-esteem and confidence. These findings provide insight into youth experiences of stress and coping when transitioning to adulthood with autism. Identifying the coping experiences of youth with autism spectrum disorder is important for the design of future programs, services, and policies supporting transition-aged youth with autism spectrum disorder.

Husbands’ perceptions of their wives’ breast cancer coping efficacy: testing congruence models of adjustment

IntroductionRecent reviews have reinforced the notion that having a supportive spouse can help with the process of coping with and adjusting to cancer. Congruence between spouses’ perspectives has been proposed as one mechanism in that process, yet alternative models of congruence have not been examined closely. This study assessed alternative models of congruence in perceptions of coping and their mediating effects on adjustment to breast cancer.MethodsSeventy-two women in treatment for breast cancer and their husbands completed measures of marital adjustment, self-efficacy for coping, and adjustment to cancer. Karnofsky Performance Status was obtained from medical records. Wives completed a measure of self-efficacy for coping (wives’ ratings of self-efficacy for coping [WSEC]) and husbands completed a measure of self-efficacy for coping (husbands’ ratings of wives’ self-efficacy for coping [HSEC]) based on their perceptions of their wives’ coping efficacy.ResultsInterestingly, the correlation between WSEC and HSEC was only 0.207; thus, they are relatively independent perspectives. The following three models were tested to determine the nature of the relationship between WSEC and HSEC: discrepancy model (WSEC − HSEC), additive model (WSEC + HSEC), and multiplicative model (WSEC × HSEC). The discrepancy model was not related to wives’ adjustment; however, the additive (B=0.205, P<0.001) and multiplicative (B=0.001, P<0.001) models were significantly related to wives’ adjustment. Also, the additive model mediated the relationship between performance status and adjustment.DiscussionHusbands’ perception of their wives’ coping efficacy contributed marginally to their wives’ adjustment, and the combination of WSEC and HSEC mediated the relationship between functional status and wives’ adjustment, thus positively impacting wives’ adjustment to cancer. Future research is needed to determine the quality of the differences between HSEC and WSEC in order to develop interventions to optimize the impact of these two relatively independent perspectives on cancer outcomes.

Evaluating a nurse-led community model of service for perinatal mental health

BackgroundPerinatal mental illness is prevalent in Australia. Accessible and affordable specialist perinatal mental health services are important in ensuring optimal maternal and infant outcomes, but remain scarce in some areas. AimThis paper describes the development and evaluation of a community model for perinatal mental health based on the practice principles of: nurse-led; partnership approach; individualised evidenced based treatments and accessible, flexible service delivery. MethodsData collected prospectively as part of routine care for two years was analysed. Data included Edinburgh Depression Scale, Parent Coping Scale and Health of the Nation Outcome scale scores, rates of attendance, diagnostic codes, nurse practitioner prescribing and the appointment locations. FindingsThere was a significant reduction in depressive and anxiety symptoms and for women parenting infants, an increase in their perception of coping with parenting. There were comparatively high rates of attendance once women attended once. Diagnostic codes indicated the service saw the target group with the majority of diagnoses consisting of adjustment disorders, depression and anxiety. The nurse practitioner role enhanced continuity of care for women requiring antidepressant treatment. DiscussionThe perinatal nurse-led community model of service has been shown to provide effective specialist perinatal mental health assessment and brief intervention and treatment services. ConclusionThe model offers the potential for replication in other areas where service gaps for perinatal women and families persist and resources remain scarce.

College Students’ Stress Coping Behaviors and Perception of Stress-Effects Holistically

Objective: The purpose of the current study was to determine college students’ stress coping behaviors and perception of stress-effects holistically (emotionally, mentally, and physically).Participants: The current study was conducted using a convenience sample of 120 students in a Midwestern Christian college with a student population of about 2000. Participants were mostly from the education, nursing, and ministry departments.Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional, with a descriptive survey design was most suitable for this study.Results: Students deal with stressors in positive and negative ways. Positive ways included exercise, depending more on faith, and telling themselves that everything will be “Okay.” Negative ways included eating more, sleeping less, increased use of the Internet and more procrastination.Conclusions: College students are aware of constructive ways to cope with stress; however, these techniques are rarely used.

Effects of Mothers' Knowledge and Coping Strategies on the Glycemic Control of Their Diabetic Children in Egypt

Background:This study aimed to examine the relationship between mothers’ knowledge related to treatment management of type 1 diabetes (T1D), with perceptions of coping with diabetes-related stress and to examine the relationship between children's metabolic control and maternal coping. A cross-sectional study was done among ninety-two mothers of T1D children.Methods:Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, Ways of coping questionnaire (WCQ), and Diabetes Knowledge questionnaire-24 (DKQ-24).Results:The most important predictors of the total knowledge scores among mothers were father education (P < 0.0001), followed by child age and sex (P < 0.0001), while the most important coping scales affected by total knowledge scores was accepting responsibility (P = 0.01). There were positive correlation between HBA1C and escape-avoidance and positive reappraisal coping scales (r = 0.24, P = 0.02 and r = 0.23, P = 0.02, respectively). Blood glucose level was the most important clinical characteristics affecting the use of seeking social support coping scale among mothers.Conclusions:Parents with more knowledge of diabetes and with better education were able to cope more effective and maintain a better glycemic control of their diabetic children.

A cross-sectional examination of the relationship between approaches to learning and perceived stress among medical students in Malaysia.

Learning approaches have been proposed to affect the experience of psychological stress among tertiary students in recent years. This relationship becomes important in stressful environments such as medical schools. However, the relationship between stress and learning approaches is not well understood, and often studies done cannot be generalized due to different sociocultural differences. In particular, no study in Malaysia has looked at learning approaches among medical students. To address this gap, we examined the relationship between perceived stress and learning approaches by considering sources of stress. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire, and the Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire were answered by the preclinical and final-year students studying MBBS in a Malaysian campus of British University. Deep learning was positively and surface learning negatively associated with perception of coping with stress. In this study, neither approaches were associated with psychological stress as opposed to previous reports. We found surface learners to report higher level of stress associated with social stressors. We found students' self-perception of feeling incompetent and feeling they need to do well to be significant sources of stress. Deep learning promotes psychological resilience. This is of paramount importance in learning environments where stress is highly prevalent such as medical school. Promotion of deep learning among medical students is required at earlier stages as they tend to solidify their approach through their university years and carry that approach beyond school into their workplace.

The Perception of Work and Coping with Stress by Workers Performing Difficult and Dangerous Jobs

Theoretical-empirical studies undertaken in the presented elaboration focus on the functioning of workers performing difficult and dangerous jobs. The goal of the carried out research was to diagnose the dependencies between subjective evaluation of firefighters’ and city guards’ work and their coping style. Determining the levels of stress at work, particularly the stress-causing factors and the coping style, seems very important in relation to the effectiveness of performed work. On this basis, one can formulate instructions for professional practice.

Learning risk-taking and coping with uncertainty through experiential, team-based entrepreneurship education

This empirical study investigates how students’ perceptions of risk-taking and coping with uncertainty change while they are exposed to experience-based entrepreneurship education. The aim of the study is twofold. First, the authors set out to identify the dynamics of entrepreneurial thinking among students experiencing risk and uncertainty while conducting their entrepreneurial projects in a team. Second, the role of experiential education in the evolution of students’ approach to risk and uncertainty is examined. The article is based on a longitudinal qualitative study conducted between 2009 and 2014 in Namibia. The research team followed 13 young individuals from the beginning of their studies in entrepreneurship until their graduation and the start of their professional careers. The findings pertaining to the dynamics of students’ perceptions of risk in entrepreneurial experiences and learning bring a more accurate understanding of the transformative character of entrepreneurial learning as well as offering practical implications for how to conduct entrepreneurship education in a way that is meaningful to learners.

Perceptions of Stress, Coping, and Intervention Preferences among Caregivers of Disadvantaged Children with Asthma

Asthma remains the most prevalent chronic illness among children. Despite the substantial body of literature examining children with asthma, few studies have examined parents’ perspectives of the condition and experiences of caregiver stress. Parents of children with chronic illnesses experience elevated stress and may have limited opportunities to cope with complex emotions while caring for children with asthma. Drawing from focus groups and interviews with African American and Hispanic parents of children with asthma, this qualitative study was conducted as part of a patient-centered engagement process to inform the refinement of an intervention aimed at reducing stress among parents of children with asthma. All data were transcribed and underwent three waves of inductive analysis. The content analysis indicated that the unpredictable nature of asthma and the caregiving burden associated with managing children’s asthma contributed to parents’ stress, and external contexts compounded the impact of these stressors. Parents also reported having difficulty identifying how they coped with stress and employed approaches to coping with stress that they applied intermittently but encountered several barriers to enacting known or available coping strategies. Analyses also revealed that parents desired a multimodal stress reduction intervention that emphasized building relationships, allowed for flexibility, and encouraged staff-parent communication. Whereas African American and Hispanic parents’ experiences of stress and coping strategies were similar, their preferences differed in regards to incorporating technology into the intervention, the credentials of facilitators, and the salience of language preferences. Understanding the complexities of stressors facing caregivers is important for developing interventions to support parents and children coping with asthma, and in particular when working with families from diverse backgrounds.

Reporting daily and critical events: journalists’ perceptions of coping and savouring strategies, and of organizational support

ABSTRACTAlthough journalists are increasingly being viewed by scientific research as an at-risk occupational group, there is still little knowledge on their strategies for dealing with occupational stressors, in both daily work settings and in critical scenarios, and on the support provided by the media organizations. Taking the occupational stress model as a framework, 25 Portuguese journalists, experienced in reporting critical events, were interviewed on their perceptions of the coping and savouring strategies they use, as well as of their organizations’ support in daily work and critical events. Differences among these variables, according to deployment frequency to critical events were statistically analysed. The data content analysis showed that emotion-focused coping strategies were the most frequently mentioned for both settings, whereas savouring strategies were only referred to for critical events. Perceptions of coping strategies were four times more frequent than those of savouring, and the need for organizational support was especially stressed. Significant differences were identified in all variables according to the number of deployments to critical events. These findings may contribute to a reflection on the role of media organizations in promoting journalists’ occupational health in both settings. The article closes by suggesting directions for future studies.