THE RELATIONS BETWEEN SOCIAL-PROBLEM SOLVING AND COPING

This study examined the convergent and divergent relations between the five problem-solving dimensions measured by the Social Problem-Solvin g Inventory-Revised (positive problem orientation, negative problem or ientation rational problem solving, impulsivity/carelessness style, an d avoidance style; D'Zurilla, Nezu, & Maydeu-Olivares, 1995) and the a utomatic/experiential coping activities assessed by the Constructive T hinking Inventory (Epstein di Meier, 1989), as well as the functional coping strategies assessed by the Coping Strategies Inventory (Tobin, Holroyd, Reynolds, di Wigal, 1989). As predicted, experiential activit ies were found to be mostly independent of rational problem solving, b ut more highly and consistently associated with positive and negative problem orientation, impulsivity/carelessness style, and avoidance sty le. Support was also found for the hypotheses that positive problem or ientation and rational problem solving would be associated with the us e of adaptive problem-engagement coping strategies, whereas the three dysfunctional problem-solving dimensions would be related to the use o f disengagement (avoidant) coping strategies. The hypothesis that prob lem-solving ability would also be related to the use of adaptive emoti on-focused coping was not supported, Implications for theory, research , and therapy are discussed.