Control-Oriented and Escape-Oriented Coping: Links to Social Support and Mental Health in Early Adolescents

• Megan Cherewick ^[1] ; Madison R. Davenport ^[1] ; Rinzi Lama ^[3] ; Priscilla Giri ; Dikcha Mukhia ; Roshan P. Rai ; Christina M. Cruz ^[2] ; Michael Matergia
  1. [1] University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

     University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

     Estados Unidos

     
  2. [2] University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

     University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

     Township of Chapel Hill, Estados Unidos

     
  3. [3] University of North Bengal

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• Localización: EJIHPE: European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, ISSN 2174-8144, ISSN-e 2254-9625, Vol. 15, Nº. 9, 2025, págs. 172-172
• Idioma: inglés
• DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe15090172
• Enlaces
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• Resumen

  • This study examined the factor structure of the Kidcope and its associations with social support, psychological symptoms, and mental wellbeing among early adolescents (ages 10–14) in Darjeeling, India. Confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor structure: control-oriented and escape-oriented coping. Multivariable regression and structural equation models indicated escape-oriented coping was associated with higher emotional symptoms (b = 3.19; p ≤ 0.001) and peer problems (b = 1.43; p ≤ 0.003), whereas control-oriented coping was linked with lower conduct problems (b = −1.11; p = 0.006), and hyperactivity (b = −1.28; p = 0.001). Control-oriented coping also correlated with higher mental wellbeing (b = 11.59; p = 0.004), prosocial behavior (b = 0.50; p ≤ 0.001), and resilience (b = 4.49; p ≤ 0.001). Results suggest control-oriented coping mediates 23% of the total effect of social support on psychological difficulties and 15% on resilience. Findings highlight early adolescence as a sensitive window for strengthening coping skills to protect mental health and enhance wellbeing in high-adversity settings.

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