Social competence and coping among children of divorce.

Relationships between teacher-rated social competence and teacher and self-reports of children's coping behavior were examined in 177 school-age children of divorce. Social competence was positively associated with teacher reports of active coping, and with self-reported avoidance coping. Children showing a positive competence-avoidance relationship reported high levels of depressive symptoms. Implications for school-based interventions and for future research are discussed.