Abstract:

The aim of the research was to examine whether it is possible to predict stress coping strategies (task-oriented coping, emotion-oriented and avoidance-oriented coping with stress). The sample was convenient and consisted of 291 respondents (Nmale = 27.5%, Nfemale = 72.5%), students and high school students. The age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 24 years, while the average age was 19.19 (SD = 1.37). The following measuring instruments were used in the research: Parenting Styles Questionnaire (PSQ), Experience Scale in Close Relationships (SM-ECR-R) and Coping with Stress Scale (CISS). The PSDQ questionnaire was adapted to the student population and measures the authoritarian and authoritative parenting style of the father and mother, while the permissive style, after checking the metric characteristics of the questionnaire, was excluded from further analyzes due to low reliability. When it comes to task-oriented coping, the mentioned subscale is statistically significantly associated with the authoritative style of the mother and father (positive correlations), as well as with avoidance (negative correlations) (p < .01). All correlations are positive. The model explains 25% of the variance (R² = .25, F6,170 = 9.44, p < .01), while the significant predictor is anxiety (β = .44, t = 6.11, p < .01). Authoritative father, authoritative mother, anxiety (positive correlations), and avoidance (negative correlation), were statistically significantly correlated with avoidance-oriented coping with stress (p < .01). Significant predictors are anxiety (β = .19, t = 2.40, p < .05) and avoidance (β = -.19, t = -2.64, p < .01). The model explains 14% of the variance (R² = .14, F6,173 = 4.80, p < .01). Respondents who rate their fathers as authoritative are more likely to use task-oriented strategies. Higher anxiety in close relationships contributes to emotion and avoidance-oriented coping with stress, while avoidance in close relationships is associated with less avoidance during coping with stress.

Keywords:

Educational styles, anxiety, avoidance, coping strategies with stress.