Neuroticism and extraversion as predictors of coping styles during early adolescence

This study examined how neuroticism, extraversion and neuroticism×extraversion predict cognitive approach, behavioral approach and avoidance coping styles. A group of 268 (138 males and 130 females) 12- and 13-year old adolescents completed questionnaires covering these measures. The results indicated that in males, extraversion predicted all three coping styles positively. In this group, neuroticism also predicted avoidance coping positively, and it exacerbated the effect of extraversion on all three coping styles. In females, extraversion predicted both the approach coping styles positively, while neuroticism predicted avoidance coping positively. For females, there was no neuroticism×extraversion interaction. These findings are discussed in terms of the effects of gender, neuroticism and extraversion on adolescent coping styles during early adolescence.