Characteristics of social problem solving, coping strategies and assertive communication among 5th and 7th graders

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of social problem-solving, coping strategies and assertive communication among 5th grade and 7th grade students (N = 378). Communication was assessed using the Assertiveness Questionnaire (AQ, Gaumer Erickson et al., 2016), social problem-solving was assessed using the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised (SPSI-R, D'Zurilla et al., 2002), and coping strategies were assessed using the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ, Folkmann & Lazarus, 1988). Results show mostly significant differences between 5th and 7th graders in the three social domains. Negative problem orientation is more prevalent among older students and, in addition to age differences, there are a number of areas where boys’ and girls’ scores differ even among younger students (e.g., confrontation is more prevalent among girls, avoidance among boys). The results provide a more nuanced picture than previously of boys’ problem solving, communication and their relationship.