Coping-related expectancies and dispositions as prospective predictors of coping responses and symptoms

We used Rotter's (1954, 1982) social learning theory and Kirsch's (1985, 19 99) response expectancy extension thereof to clarify distinctions between c oping-related expectancies (beliefs about the outcomes of coping efforts) a nd coping dispositions (tendencies to use particular coping responses), spe cifically focusing on the role of generalized expectancies for negative moo d regulation (NMR) as a predictor of individual differences in coping and w ellbeing. Two studies using structural equation modeling provided support f or direct and indirect associations between NMR expectancies and symptoms o f depression. In Study 1 NMR expectancies predicted situational avoidance c oping responses and symptoms of depression and anxiety, independent of disp ositional avoidance coping tendencies. In Study ?,, NMR expectancies were a ssociated with depressive symptoms, concurrently and prospectively, indepen dent of dispositional optimism and pessimism. Both studies indicated that N MR expectancies are more strongly associated with depressive symptoms than with symptoms of anxiety and physical illness. Results underscore the impor tance of distinguishing between expectancies and other personality variable s related to coping.