Electronic Library of Scientific Literature


 
 
 

STUDIA PSYCHOLOGICA

 

Volume 42 / No. 4 / 2000

 

 


ANGER AND ANGER COPING: A STUDY OF ATTRIBUTIONAL STYLES

Miguel Angel PÉREZ-NIETO, Nuria CAMUNAS, Antonio CANO-VINDEL, Juan José MIGUEL-TOBAL, Iciar IRUARRIZAGA
Department of Basic Psychology (Cognitive Processes), Complutense University of Madrid, 28223 Madrid, Spain

Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between several attributional dimensions and anger response. We also studied anger-coping style (control, anger-in, and anger-out) and specific attributional styles. A group of 119 normal subjects (39 male and 80 female) participated. Attributional style was measured with the Seligman Attributional Style Questionnaire (A.S.Q.) by Seligman, Abramson, Semmel, and Von Baeyer (1979), Spanish version by Ferrándiz (1995). Anger was measured using the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (S.T.A.X.I.) by Spielberger (1988, 1991), Spanish version by Spielberger, Miguel-Tobal, Cano-Vindel, and Casado (1992). Emotional coping was measured with the Questionnaire of Control, Defense and Expression of Emotions (C.D.E.) by Cano-Vindel and Miguel-Tobal (1996). A statistically significant difference between subjects scoring high and low in "helplessness range," as well as results from a correlation analysis revealed a relationship between global and stable attributions and anger response, low anger control, and anger-in.

Key words: anger, attributional style, emotional coping, learned helplessness
pp. 289-302

 


SCHOOL-RELATED FEARS IN CHILDREN AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO WORRIES AND ANXIETY IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY SOUTHERN AFRICA

Adebowale AKANDE
Potchefstroom University, PO Box 1174, Vanderbijl Park 1900, South Africa

Abstract: Fears have been shown to be common complaints that are implicated in a variety of other presenting problems, but it is not always clear how this arises. This paper reports findings from a large-scale research project exploring this possibility in school-age children. Using detailed measure, evidence is presented to show significant differences in the number, pattern and level of fears. The Southern African participants endorsed school fears at higher levels than their counterparts from another nation. However, boys and girls from low-income homes reported more fears and a higher level of fear than children of upper class homes. When interpreted within the cultural context, it follows that the number of fears decreased with age and that cultures that have fear-producing stimuli, and that favour inhibition and obedience serve to increase levels of fears.

Key words: fears, children, worries, self-esteem, Southern Africa
pp. 303-315

 


CREATIVITY AS A PREDICTOR OF "GOOD" COPING?

Marek FALAT
Institute of Experimental Psychology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 813 64 Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Abstract: The subject of the presentation is how creative thinking can influence the way an individual copes with frustrating situations. Creativity was measured with a nonverbal test - authors K.K. Urban and H.K. Jellen. To identify ways of coping we used a modified version of the S. Rosenzweig's projective verbal Picture Frustration Tolerance test. We used 5 selected situations from this test. The research sample consisted of 214 university students. Modified instructions were used in experimental conditions - the students were instructed to give as many responses as they can while utilizing fantasy and humor. Under controlled conditions standard instructions were given. Preliminary results showed: 1) High creative students utilized significantly more active strategies in coping with frustrating situations; 2) Low creative students gave a greater number of withdrawal and aggressive responses; 3) Higher level of creativity had a positive impact on originality and humor of responses.

Key words: creativity, coping strategies, frustration, humor
pp. 317-324

 


EYSENCK'S TEMPERAMENT TYPES AND PERCEPTIONS OF STRESS

Karel PAULÍK
University of Ostrava, Department of Psychology and Social Work, Dvoøákova 7, 701 03 Ostrava 1, Czech Republic

Abstract: The paper reports on research carried out into the characteristics of temperament types as established by H.J. Eysenck in the subjective perception of job-related and non-job-related stress and in job satisfaction. From 580 respondents from various professions it was possible to assign 114 to particular types, given at least one significant variance from the mean. The results of the research generally support the presumptions of the hypotheses about the differences among the individual types in their evaluation and experience of the conditions in which they live and work, drawing on the typical characteristics of the types under examination.

Key words: type, typology, extraversion, introversion, neuro-psychological stability/instability, melancholic, choleric, phlegmatic, sanguinic, work-related stress, job satisfaction
pp. 325-338

 


DIMENSIONS OF LIFE MEANING AS FACTORS OF COPING

Peter HALAMA
Institute of Experimental Psychology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 813 64 Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Abstract: In the study the relationship of meaning in life and the preference of coping strategies in late adolescence is examined. Three meaning dimensions were measured: intensity, a level at which the individual perceives that his/her life has meaning and purpose; the breadth, a number of sources, which the individual derives meaning from (a number of different values in one's life); and depth, a level of self-transcendence of meaning in life. For coping with frustration Rosenzweig's Picture-Frustration Test, adapted for recognizing coping strategies, was used. Research done with a sample of 166 adolescents showed positive relationship of meaningfulness and constructive strategies as well as positive relationship of meaninglessness and the preference of aggressive strategies. Depth of life meaning was found as the strongest predictor of coping strategies. Individuals with more self-transcendent values tended, to a greater extent, to use constructive strategies, and, on the contrary, individuals with self-focusing values used more aggressive strategies.

Key words: meaning of life, dimensions of life meaning, stress, coping
pp. 339-350

 


GENERAL HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE-28: PSYCHOMETRIC EVALUATION OF THE SLOVAK VERSION

Iveta NAGYOVA, Boudien KROL, Angela SZILASIOVA, Roy STEWART, Jitse van DIJK, Wim van den HEUVEL
Northern Centre for Healthcare Research, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
2nd Internal Clinic, Faculty Hospital, Košice, Slovak Republic
Medical Faculty, University of P.J. Šafárik, Košice, Slovak Republic
Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Hoensbroek, The Netherlands

Abstract: The EUropean Research on Incapacitating DIseases and Social Support (EURIDISS) is an international longitudinal study focused on patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It elaborates on the impact of the chronic disease on patients' daily lives. Rheumatoid arthritis, social support and quality of life are the central concepts within the project. Goldberg and Hillier's 28-item scaled version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) was used to measure the psychological aspect of quality of life. The scale is frequently used in Western Europe, but rarely in Central and Eastern Europe. Slovakia, a Central European country, joined the EURIDISS project in 1994. Therefore, the question emerged whether the psychometric properties of the Slovak version of the GHQ-28 are adequate to measure the psychological component of quality of life. In the current study the reliability and validity of the GHQ-28 in Slovak RA-patients are evaluated and the outcomes are discussed in the light of Western European (WE) results. The study examines the internal consistency and the factor structure of the instrument. In general, as far as the reliability figures and the intercorrelations of the scales are concerned, the results indicate that the psychometric qualities of the GHQ-28 in Slovakia are satisfactory. However, when taking into consideration the factor structure of the scale, as pointed out by the Principal Component Analysis, this reveals several differences. At least six out of the twenty-eight items appear to fit better to a different subscale from the original one. Especially, general health ratings, such as 'felt recently ill', initially attributed to subscale somatic symptoms, appear to be more closely associated with subscale anxiety/insomnia. More research on GHQ-28 in CEE countries is therefore recommended.

Key words: GHQ-28, psychometrics, psychological well-being, Slovakia, rheumatoid arthritis
pp. 351-361

 


PSYCHOLOGICAL REFLECTION ON GLOBAL PROBLEMS OF YOUNG AND OLDER PEOPLE IN THE SLOVAK POPULATION

Silvia KOMPOLTOVÁ
Institute of Experimental Psychology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 813 64 Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Abstract: The work is a comparison of a reflection on global problems between groups of young (N = 119) and older (N = 69) people. We found many significant differences in the reflection of today's problems, in anticipating problems in the future and in their actual experiencing. We suppose, that these differences were caused mostly by life experiences of these two groups.

Key words: global problems, age differences, value orientation, environmental stress
pp. 363-367

 


FEAR OF GOD AND OF ETERNAL DAMNATION AMONG SLOVAK CHRISTIAN ADOLESCENTS

Lucia ORLICKÁ
Institute of Experimental Psychology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 813 64 Bratislava, Slovak Republic

Abstract: We have analyzed the generally experienced problem of religious persons which concerns fear of "damnation". After a brief overview of available sources (mostly Anglo-Saxon), we compiled a research plan. For analysis of this problem, we have used the standard methods STAI, semantic differential and nonstandard methods Religious Conflict Scale, SROS-II, direct questions, adjectives describing image of God, and choosing the best fitting description of God. The sample consisted of 177 students of three Roman-Catholic high schools (juniors, seniors) (78 boys, 96 girls) at the average age of 16.9 years. Results were computed by relevant parametric and nonparametric methods and by factor analysis. It was found that fear of God is experienced by 12.7% and not experienced by 72.9% of those asked. In contrast to this, fear of damnation is experienced by 62.9% and not experienced by 33.9% of the respondents. Those who experience fear of God/damnation score higher in the Religious Conflict Scale and we found a relationship between fear of God/damnation and perceiving God as being loving and at the same time controlling. A significant relationship between fear of God/damnation and personal versus impersonal relationship to God was found. In the group experiencing fear of damnation we found higher level of activity and value of the notion "My life after death" and lower value of the notion "Father" within the semantic differential dimensions.

Key words: religiosity, adolescence, fear of God, fear of damnation, anxiety
pp. 369-378