Self‐Concept Clarity and Preferred Coping Styles

Abstract

This study examined the relation between self‐concept clarity and ( a ) preferred general coping styles, ( b ) coping with a specific event, and (c) coping with a specific ongoing situation in 175 undergraduate students. The results of the regression analyses for general coping styles indicated that self‐concept clarity made a reliable but weak positive contribution to active coping styles (e.g., planning and taking action) and a strong negative contribution to passive coping styles (e.g., denial). The unique negative contribution of self‐concept clarity to passive coping was replicated with respect to coping with a specific event and to coping with a specific ongoing situation. However, the weaker positive contribution of self‐concept clarity to active coping was not replicated with respect to coping with specific events or specific ongoing situations.