The socialization of adolescent coping behaviours: Relationships with families and teachers

A motivational theory of children's coping identified aspects of relationships--involvement, structure and autonomy support--that are expected to determine whether coping will be characterized by approach (active) or avoidance. Associations between adolescents' (N=487, Age M=14) relationships with families and teachers, and coping behaviours were examined. Whether a Family Primacy Model or a Context-Specific Model best explained the findings was also determined. A Family Primacy Model received predominant support; adolescents with more positive family relationships used more active coping with problems at home and school. Positive relationships with teachers predicted more active coping behaviours, especially at school.