Introduction: The study aimed to determine the predictors of avoidant and task-oriented coping strategies among adolescents in social conflict situations, considering self-esteem, cognitive appraisal of the conflict, and emotional responses. Method: The study utilized the Self-Esteem Scale (SES), developed by Rosenberg and adapted by Łaguna, Lachowicz-Tabaczek, and Dzwonkowska; the Stress-Assessment Questionnaire (Kwestionariusz Oceny Stresu, KOS) designed by Włodarczyk and Wrześniewski; the Three-Factor Inventory of Personality States and Traits (Trójczynnikowy Inwentarz Stanów i Cech Osobowości, TISCO), designed by Spielberg; as well as the Questionnaire for Studying Youth Coping Strategies in Social Conflict Situations (Kwestionariusz do badania strategii radzenia sobie młodzieży w sytuacji konfliktu społecznego, KSMK), created by Borecka-Biernat. The sample consisted of 893 adolescents (468 girls and 425 boys) aged 13 to 15. Results: Analysis revealed that appraising a conflict situation as a threat or harm/loss and reacting with anger or fear was associated with an avoidant coping style. Conversely, not appraising conflict as a threat or harm/loss and reacting to it with curiosity promoted a task-oriented approach to coping with social conflict. Conclusions: The findings can inform the design of preventive and therapeutic programs that support the development of constructive coping strategies, which acknowledge the interests of all parties involved in the conflict.
Danuta Borecka-Biernat (Tue,) studied this question.