Abstract
The adaptability of escape-avoidance coping, which is considered to be an ineffective strategy was investigated in relation to the following conditions: (1) In combination with problem-focused coping, (2) in combination with the intention to rest, and (3) in combination with considering positive strategies to be ineffective. Participants were 265 college students. They were requested to respond to a questionnaire on stressful events. Results of ANOVAs revealed that participants scoring low for the use of problem-focused coping and high for escape-avoidance coping reported less stressful events than those scoring low for the use of escape-avoidance coping in interpersonal situations. Results of a multiple regression analyses indicated that the intention to rest decreased stress responses, but considering positive strategies to be ineffective increased it. These results suggest that escape-avoidance coping would be effective when it is used in parallel with the intention to rest.
