A Dichotomous Structure Doesn't Capture the Coping Behavior of Emerging Adults

Research has often characterized coping behavior in a binary and dichotomous way; however, this is insufficient for explaining the behavior patterns of emerging adults. College students in particular face many stressors but underutilize support and have few effective stress-reduction services. For the present study, exploratory factor analysis was applied to a coping measure tailored for emerging adults. Participants were 366 college students who completed the measure five days in a row, considering how they coped with the most stressful event they experienced that day. Results indicated that a three-factor structure of Direct, Indirect, and Social Support coping types were a good explanation of the data. Religious coping did not fit in any of the identified factors. More nuanced coping measurements and conceptualizations may help improve our understanding of how emerging adults cope and facilitate the development of more effective stress-reduction interventions.