Changes in Stress and Coping During Late Childhood and Preadolescence

摘要

PROBLEM: Little is known about what produces stress in preadolescents. METHODS: Secondary data analysis using hierarchical linear modeling was performed to determine how stressors and coping changed over time in 1,568 preadolescents (51% Hispanic) in 28 public schools. FINDINGS: Over time, participants experienced most stressors less intensely, but intensity varied by gender. Children in lower grades and girls found that coping strategies used were more effective compared with those in upper grades or boys. There were several interactions of grade level, sex, and ethnicity. CONCLUSION: Changes in stress and coping among preadolescents have implications for nurses concerned with mental health.