GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COPING - A FURTHER TEST OF SOCIALIZATION AND ROLE CONSTRAINT THEORIES

To further test role constraint and socialization theories of gender d ifferences in coping, two studies were conducted to examine coping str ategies in individuals occupying similar roles. The relations between coping strategy frequency and effectiveness and between coping strateg y use and psychological functioning also were examined. Predominantly Caucasian female and male college students participated in the studies . Results indicated support for both socialization and role constraint theories. Effectiveness and frequency of coping strategy use were mod erately correlated. Gender differences in cognitive appraisal varied w ith dispositional vs. situational assessment. The need for a more inte grated model to explain gender differences in coping and implications for existing theories are discussed.