On the limits of coping: Interaction between stress and coping for inner-city adolescents

This study examined the effects of four coping di,,dimensions-active coping , avoidance, distraction, and support-on conduct problems, depression, and achievement in a multiethnic inner-city sample of early adolescents. The,na in effects of coping were examined, along with stress X coping interactions . For girls, active coping interacted with family and community stress to p redict conduct problems and grades, respectively and with community stress to predict depression. These interactions revealed a classic stress-bufferi ng effect for active coping. For boys, although active coping interacted wi th community and peer stress to predict depression and with community and f amily stress to predict grades, these findings did not support the stress-b uffering effect. Although avoidant coping was positively associated with de pression and poor grades at low levels of stress, it was associated with mo re adaptive functioning on these outcomes at higher levels of stress.