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Trauma coping strategies and psychological distress: A meta‐analysis
Author(s) -
Littleton Heather,
Horsley Samantha,
John Siji,
Nelson David V.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1002/jts.20276
Subject(s) - coping (psychology) , psychology , distress , clinical psychology , avoidance coping , meta analysis , interpersonal communication , psychological distress , poison control , psychotherapist , mental health , medicine , social psychology , medical emergency
The identification of adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies following traumatic events has been the subject of much scientific inquiry. The current study sought through meta‐analysis to evaluate the relationship between the use of approach and avoidance strategies (both problem‐focused and emotion/cognitive focused) following trauma and psychological distress. Thirty‐nine studies of coping following two types of traumatic events (interpersonal violence and severe injury) were retained in the meta‐analysis. There was a consistent association between avoidance coping and distress, overall r = .37, but no association between approach coping and distress, overall r = −.03, but some important moderators existed. Implications of the results for future research regarding coping and trauma recovery are discussed.