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Multimodal Protocol for Assessing Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Adults with Learning Difficulties

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Refining the Conceptualization of an Important Future-Oriented Self-Regulatory Behavior: Proactive Coping.

Stephanie Jean Sohl¹, Anne Moyer

¹Stony Brook University.

Personality and Individual Differences

|July 7, 2009

Summary

Aspiring for a positive future, a form of proactive coping, significantly predicts well-being. Focusing on preventing negative outcomes does not. Interventions should emphasize resource accumulation and goal setting.

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Area of Science:

Positive psychology
Health psychology

Background:

Proactive coping, addressing future stressors, is gaining attention in positive psychology.
Conflicting conceptualizations of proactive coping hinder research clarity.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare two operationalizations of proactive coping and their relationship with well-being.
To identify specific proactive coping competencies linked to enhanced well-being.

Main Methods:

281 college students facing exams completed measures of proactive coping (Proactive Coping Inventory, Proactive Competence Scale) and well-being.
Statistical analyses examined the predictive validity of different proactive coping conceptualizations.

Main Results:

Proactive coping conceptualized as striving for positive goals predicted well-being (affect, subjective well-being, physical symptoms).
Proactive coping focused on preventing negative outcomes did not predict well-being.
Resource utilization and realistic goal setting uniquely predicted well-being within the positive striving conceptualization.

Conclusions:

Aspiring towards positive future goals is a distinct predictor of well-being.
Future interventions should focus on building resources and setting realistic goals to promote proactive coping and enhance well-being.