Related Experiment Videos
Adolescent coping in different Chinese family environments
P Nicholas Hamid1, Xiao Dong Yue, Chi Mei Leung
1City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Adolescence
|June 14, 2003
Summary
Positive family environments foster constructive coping in Chinese adolescents. This "fatalistic voluntarism" involves personal and social resources, with gender differences observed in coping strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Family Studies
Background:
- Adolescent coping mechanisms are influenced by family dynamics.
- Understanding cultural variations in family-environment-coping relationships is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between family environment types and adolescent coping styles in a Chinese sample.
- To identify specific family characteristics associated with constructive coping.
Main Methods:
- Cluster analysis was used to categorize family environments.
- Adolescent coping strategies were examined in relation to identified family types.
Main Results:
- Four distinct family types emerged: conflict-control, structured/cohesive/expressive, structured/cohesive/low conflict, and unstructured/low control.
- Families high in cohesion, expressiveness, organization, low conflict, and moderate control correlated with constructive coping.
- A coping style termed "fatalistic voluntarism" (mobilizing personal/social resources, accepting fate) was prevalent in positive family environments.
- Gender differences were noted: girls favored social support, while boys leaned towards avoidance or blame.
Conclusions:
- Family environment significantly shapes adolescent coping strategies in Chinese culture.
- The "fatalistic voluntarism" coping style reflects a blend of personal agency and acceptance within positive family contexts.
- Gender plays a role in the specific manifestation of coping behaviors among adolescents.