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Gender and coping: the dual-axis model of coping
S E Hobfoll1, C L Dunahoo, Y Ben-Porath
1Applied Psychology Center, Kent State University, Ohio 44242.
American Journal of Community Psychology
|February 1, 1994
Summary
This study explored action and social coping strategies, finding women use more prosocial coping and men more antisocial strategies. Active coping reduced distress for all, but men benefited less from prosocial or antisocial coping.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Coping strategies are crucial for managing stress and improving well-being.
- Existing models often focus on single dimensions of coping, neglecting the interplay between action and social aspects.
- Understanding gender differences in coping can inform targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine a dual-axis model of coping, incorporating action (active vs. passive) and social (prosocial vs. antisocial) dimensions.
- To develop and validate an assessment instrument for this dual-axis coping model.
- To investigate gender differences in the use of these coping strategies and their relation to mastery and gender-role orientation.
Main Methods:
- A combined sample of students and community residents participated in the study.
- A newly developed assessment device was used to measure coping strategies based on the dual-axis model.
- Statistical analyses were employed to examine the model, instrument validity, and relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- The dual-axis coping model and the assessment instrument received mixed support.
- Women exhibited more prosocial coping than men, with no significant difference in activity levels.
- Men were more prone to antisocial and aggressive coping, and less assertive strategies, compared to women.
- Prosocial and active coping strategies correlated with higher mastery and liberal gender-role orientation.
- Antisocial and passive strategies were associated with lower mastery and traditional gender-role orientation.
- Active coping was linked to reduced emotional distress for both genders.
- Both prosocial and antisocial coping strategies were related to increased emotional distress in men, suggesting a narrower range of beneficial coping for men.
Conclusions:
- The dual-axis model provides a nuanced framework for understanding coping, highlighting the importance of both action and social dimensions.
- Significant gender differences exist in coping strategy utilization and their psychological correlates.
- Men may have a more restricted set of effective coping strategies compared to women, necessitating further research into tailored interventions.