Citation

Roussi P, Rapti F, Kiosseoglou G. Anxiety Stress Coping 2006; 19(2): 161-173.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10615800600593304

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This exploratory study examined coping and psychological sense of community in two areas of Greece: an urban area and a rural area. Specifically, the aims of the study were to examine: (1) coping differences between the two areas; (2) whether the two areas differed in terms of psychological sense of community (PSOC); and (3) the relationship between coping, PSOC, and negative mood. The results showed that coping strategies clustered in different ways. In the urban area, assertive and indirect action formed one cluster with antisocial and aggressive action, whereas in the rural area, assertive and indirect action formed one cluster with cautious action, social joining, and seeking social support. Also, the relationship between negative mood and aggressive action was stronger for the rural area than for the urban area, whereas the opposite was found for the relationship between negative mood and indirect action. Finally, PSOC was higher in the rural area, positively related to social joining, and negatively related to antisocial action, aggressive action, and negative mood. The relationship between PSOC and negative mood was mediated by coping. The findings highlight the importance of taking into consideration the social context in which coping takes place.