Trait influences on stress appraisal and coping: An evaluation of alternative frameworks

According to contemporary trait models, personality variables influence the relation of certain social-cognitive processes to coping and adjustment. S pecifically, neuroticism may effect a greater perception of threat in a giv en stressor and thus effect a greater propensity for emotion-focused coping efforts. Similarly, higher levels of conscientiousness may be related to a greater use of problem-focused coping. We tested these presumed effects of personality traits on the association between stress appraisals and coping among 141 undergraduates. Resulting models indicated that certain personal ity characteristics are related to appraisal and coping activities, but the se relations do not fully explain the association between stress appraisal and coping.