Author: Nida Zafar
Supervisor: Ms. Tahira Mubashir
Degree: MPhil
Year: (2009–2011)
University: Institute of Applied Psychology, Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan
Abstract
The present research investigated relationship between emotional distress and coping strategies among university students after the death of Parental figure. It was hypothesized that there is a relationship between emotional distress and subtypes of coping strategies (self-distraction, active coping, denial, use of emotional support, use of instrumental support, behavioral disengagement, venting, planning, turning to religion, self-blame) among University students after the death of Parental figure. It was also hypothesized that there are gender differences in university students after the death of parental figure. Furthermore, there are gender differences on use of coping strategies among university students after the death of parental figure. Corelational research design was used to assess the relationship between emotional distress and coping strategies. Sample was drawn by using non-probability purposive sampling strategy. The sample was composed of (N = 160) students from University of Punjab, Lahore and University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore. Emotional Distress Inventory (Moscoso, et al., 1992, 2000) and Cope Inventory (Carver, Scheier & Weintraub, 1989) were administered to each participant. Descriptive and Inferential Statistics were used for data analysis. Relationship between emotional distress and coping strategies was assessed by using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Findings of the research revealed significant relationship between emotional distress and subtypes of coping strategies (self-distraction, denial, use of emotional support, use of instrument support, behavioral disengagement, venting of emotions, planning, turning to religion) and non-significant correlation on these subtypes of coping strategies (active coping and acceptance) among university students after the death of parental figure. Independent sample t-test was used to compare the gender differences. Results showed non-significant gender differences on emotional distress. Results also revealed significant gender differences on subtypes of coping strategies (denial, use of emotional support) and non-significant gender differences (self distraction, active coping, use of instrumental support, behavioral disengagement, venting of emotions, planning, acceptance, turning to religion and self-blame). Counseling programs for the students are recommended to help them deal with their feelings and problems.
Keywords: emotional distress, coping strategies, death of parental figure.
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Corresponding Address: Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Email: chairperson@appsy.pu.edu.pk, Phone: 92-42-9231245
