A single-item measure of negative coping: Associations with well-being.

Smith, Andrew P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8805-8028 and James, Arwel 2025. A single-item measure of negative coping: Associations with well-being. World Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research 11 (3) , pp. 202-207.

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Abstract

Background: Individual differences in coping styles are important features of well-being. Certain coping styles are considered positive (e.g. problem-solving; seeking social support), whereas others, such as avoidance, wishful thinking and self-blame, are associated with negative outcomes. Many questionnaires measure coping styles, and the present study examined a single question in a sample of secondary school students and compared effects with those seen using the Student Well-being Process Questionnaire (SWPQ) negative coping scale. Methods: Eighty-two secondary school students completed the study, which involved an online survey measuring negative coping, well-being predictors and outcomes. Results: The three negative coping questions from the SWPQ loaded on a single factor, and a total negative coping score was used in the analyses. The single item and total negative coping scores were significantly correlated and showed similar associations with well-being outcomes (positive correlations with negative outcomes and negative associations with positive outcomes). When other established predictors of well-being were included in the analyses, the single-item negative coping measure remained significantly associated with negative well-being, perceived stress, anxiety and depression. Conclusions: A single-item negative coping question was associated with the three-item negative coping scale from the SWPQ and showed the expected associations with well-being outcomes. This question can now be used in shorter versions of the SWPQ.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
ISSN:	2455-3301
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	4 March 2025
Date of Acceptance:	27 February 2025
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2025 09:30
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/176615

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