The role of cognitive style in the stress and coping of black South African adolescents

• DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2014.971146
• Publication Date: 2014-11-18T16:37:52Z
• Authors: Melinda van Rooyen; Luzelle Naude; Lindi Nel; Karel Esterhuyse
• Keywords: Stressor; Cognitive style; Stress Management

Background: Although stress is a common phenomenon in all phases of life, it can be said that adolescence particularly stressful life stage. In South Africa, black adolescents are faced with many stressors and challenges which placing demands on their emotional cognitive resources.Aims: The aim this study was to determine whether African different styles (i.e. rational or experiential) differ levels coping. Furthermore, the experience coping predominantly used by could determined.Methods: One hundred eighty-seven participants (88 males 99 females) completed Rational Experiential, Coping Reponses Adolescent Stress Inventory.Results: Adolescents operating from an experiential style experienced more regarding school performance, attendance, financial pressure emerging adult responsibility than style. employing sought alternative rewards as strategy, whereas relied discharge.Conclusions: findings concur previous research, but provide unique perspective adolescents’ context.