Article Title: Perceived Stress, Stress Appraisal And Coping Strategies Used In Relation To Television Coverage Of Terrorist Incidents
Author(s): Rukhsana Kausar and Tahera Anwar
Institute(s): Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 2010, Vol. 8, NO.2, 119 – 131
Correspondence address: Prof. Dr. Rukhsana Kausar, Chairpcrson, Department of Applied Psychology, University of the Punjab. Lahore 54000, Pakistan. Email: rukhsana.saddul@gmail.com
Abstract
The present study examined perceived stress, stress appraisal, and coping strategies used in relation to exposure to television coverage of terrorist incidents. It was hypothesized that there is relationship between perceived stress, stress appraisal, coping strategies and television exposure of terrorism. Ninety eight students comprised the sample and were selected from different departments of Faculty of Life Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore. Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen, Kamarck, & Mermelstein, 1983), Stress Appraisal Measure (Peacock & Wong, 1990), and Coping Strategy Questionnaire (Kausar & Munir, 2004) were used for assessment. There was relationship between perceived stress, stress appraisal and coping strategies. Stress appraisal predicted the type of coping strategies used by the participants. Significant gender differences were found in perceived stress, stress appraisal and coping strategies. Female participant perceived more stress than male students, Male participants were watching terrorism on TV significantly more than female participants. Male participants were found to be using significantly more active-practical coping than female participants who used significantly
more religious focused coping strategies.
Keywords: perceived stress, stress appraisal, coping strategies, terrorism
