ADOLESCENT COPING STRATEGIES AND SELF-ESTEEM

Relations between self-esteem and coping strategies of adolescents were examined for 361 male and female adolescents in Grades 7 through 12. Coping strategies were assessed by the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (Patterson & McCubbIn, 1986) and self-esteem was assessed by the Coopersmithʹs Self-Esteem Inventory (Coopersmith, 1987). Multivariate analyses revealed that adolescents with lower self-esteem utilized more avoidance coping strategies than adolescents with higher self-esteem. In addition, males reported utilizing avoidance coping strategies more frequently than females: females were found to utilize social and spiritual supports more frequently than males. No age differences in coping strategies or self-esteem were found for this study. Self-esteem differences are discussed in terms of intervention strategies.