Coping Strategies for Junior High School Students’ Conflicts: Balance Between Self-esteem and Sense of Being Accepted

Abstract

[Purpose]

Junior high school students’ coping strategies for conflicts were investigated from the perspective of balance between self-esteem (SE) and the sense of being accepted (SBA). It was hypothesized that students with imbalance between SE and SBA would have more maladaptive coping strategies for their problems and weaknesses, than students with good balance.

[Methods]

Junior high school students (N=541) completed an anonymous questionnaire composed of an SE scale, an SBA scale, and a scale assessing coping strategies for conflicts.

[Results]

Based on SE and SBA scores, participants were divided into four sub-groups. High-SE and low-SBA participants seemed to avoid facing their problems and weaknesses. Additionally, low-SE and high-SBA participants used two strategies for facing and avoiding their problems and weaknesses.

[Discussion/Conclusions]

These findings indicated that students with imbalance between SE and SBA tend to show maladjustment, suggesting the need for psychological support.