Stress and coping among Missouri rural and urban children

A cross-sectional survey using a convenience sample of 157 Missouri rural and urban children (ages 8-13 years) yielded no significant differences in perceptions of stressors or use of coping strategies for dealing with those stressors between rural and urban children. The Feel Bad Scale and the Schoolagers' Coping Strategies Inventory measured the children's perceptions of stressors and use of coping strategies. Rural children experienced stressor levels equivalent to urban children, yet they were underserved in mental and physical health needs. The children studied reported self-care through coping strategies for management of their stressors. Longitudinal research is needed to identify the impact of stress and interventions on the health and behavior of children in rural settings.