Article Title: Stressful Life Events, Depression and Coping Strategies
Author(s): Irum Hayat
Institute(s): National Institute of Psychology (NIP), Centre of Excellence, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad.
Journal: Journal of Research in Social Sciences- JRSS June 2013 ISSN: 2306-112X Vol: 2 Number 1 Article 7
Abstract
The present study investigated the relationship between stressful life events, depression and coping strategies among depressives and non-depressives. There were three phases. Phase 1 was aimed at translating and pre testing of the Social Readjustment Rating Scale and Revised Ways of Coping Questionnaire into Urdu. In phase II, the pilot study was carried out on a sample of depressives (N=96) and non-depressives (N=96). In phase III, the main study was carried out on the sample of 200 individuals including 100 diagnosed depressed outpatients and 100 non depressives of public and private sector hospitals of Islamabad. The stressful life events were assessed through the Social Readjustment Rating Scale. Coping strategies were assessed trough the Revised Ways of coping Questionnaire. Both scales were translated into Urdu version and then back translated in English version first time in Pakistan and showed highest alpha reliabilities. The impact of stressful life events on depression was explored through regression analysis which showed positive results. Depressives were found to report high level of life stress, depression and more use of emotion focused coping strategies as compared to non-depressives. The moderating effects of coping strategies on the relationship between life stress and depression were also explored by using t test and one way analysis of variance. The Results showed a significant relationship between stressful life events, depression and coping strategies. Problem focused and emotion focused coping strategies proved themselves as having a good moderating effect on the relationship between life stress and depression.
Keywords: stressful, events, life, depression, coping strategies, stress management.
