The influence of situational constructs on coping: the effectiveness of using scenarios

A variety of situational constructs have been shown to influence strategies for coping with stress. The present study used scenarios to examine four such constructs: controllability, predictability, pervasiveness and severity. One hundred and twelve university students read three scenarios (financial, health and interpersonal) each depicting one of 16 combinations of high or low levels of the constructs. After reading each scenario, they completed measures of their coping responses and appraisals. The scenario manipulations did not produce consistent, specific effects. For example, the severity manipulations also affected appraised controllability, pervasiveness and predictability. The importance of assessing the consistency and specificity of scenario manipulations is discussed.