Gender differences in schoolchildren's preferences for coping strategies

Abstract

Transition from primary school age to adolescence is complicated itself beyond gender differences, as it affected by a wide range of obstacles in school life. Nevertheless, the preferred coping strategies at primary school age determines the success of coping with difficulties in adolescence. In the current study we aimed to examine the role of gender in the preferences of coping strategies by children of primary school age. The study included 263 participants (57% girls) with mean age equals to 9.5 years (SD = 0.64). We applied a quantitative design to this study using the PAPI data collection procedure. Our results reveal the gender differences in coping behavior of schoolchildren. Specifically, while going through tough life experiences boys tended to choose avoidant or problem-oriented behavioral coping strategies, whereas girls leant towards emotional or cognitive coping mechanisms. Results of this study expand the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of coping behavior at school age.