Using the Proactive Coping Inventory to measure Southern African university students’ coping styles

Abstract

The objective of this study was to examine the various coping styles used by university students in Southern Africa, with a specific focus on proactive coping. It investigated whether demographic variables influence students’ uses of differing coping styles, as well as whether students studying in South Africa make use of the same coping styles compared to those studying in Botswana and Namibia. The Proactive Coping Inventory was completed electronically by 622 students in three universities, one each in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. A small practically significant gender difference occurred for emotional support seeking, and older students were found to employ proactive coping more than younger students. A small practically significant difference was discovered between international and local students’ uses of instrumental support seeking, and university differences were found for reflective coping and two forms of support seeking. Recommendations include developing universities into positive socialising systems so that students are equipped with coping resources.

Keywords

Botswana coping styles Namibia South Africa

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