1. Camila Alaasam, Kelsey Wilson, Caitlin Grinsell, & Dr. Laurie Hunter Department of Psychology Importance of the Research and Research Question Methodology Influence of Perceived Control on Coping Strategies Findings Discussion Participants Research Question Abstract Researchers investigated the relationship between perceived control and coping strategies, focusing on four coping subcategories: problem focused engagement, emotion focused engagement, problem focused disengagement, and emotion focused disengagement. Participants completed questionnaires measuring perceived control and coping strategies. A significant negative correlation was found between problem focused disengagement and perceived control. Four coping subcategories were examined. 1 – Problem Focused Engagement 2 – Emotion Focused Engagement 3 – Problem Focused Disengagement 4 – Emotion Focused Disengagement Coping Subcategories Coping is an essential component of the human condition, and has consequently been a popular topic for psychological research. Coping is essential to overcoming stress, which is a daily struggle for many people. Three main coping strategies have been theorized: problem focused, emotion focused, and avoidant (Reeve, 2009). Previous research suggests coping strategies are influenced by a myriad of variables (Brougham, Zail, Mendoza, & Miller, 2009; Kauser, 2010; Sollenberger, 2007). However, little research has investigated the relationship between coping and perceived personal control. Perceived Personal Control: The level of control one feels they have over events and outcomes in their life (Reeve, 2009) Problem Focused Coping: Behaviors which aim to overcome or eliminate the stressor, or the source of the stress (Reeve, 2009) Emotion Focused Coping: Behaviors which alleviate the emotional symptoms of the stress (Reeve, 2009) Avoidance Focused Coping: Avoiding the problem rather than confronting it (Higgins & Endler, 1995, as cited by Kauser, 2010) Researchers predicted a positive correlation between perceived control and problem focused coping strategies, and a negative correlation between perceived control and emotion focused or avoidance-focused coping. Researchers also predicted men would be more likely to engage in problem focused coping strategies, while women would more likely engage in emotion focused coping strategies. After completing an informed consent form, participants filled out two questionnaires. Participation was voluntary. Coping Strategies questionnaire (Tobin, 2001) measured participants use of different coping strategies. Each of the four categories of coping strategies (problem focused engagement, emotion focused engagement, problem focused disengagement, and emotion focused disengagement) were scored separately. Spheres of Control Inventory (Davis, 2004) measured participants perceived sense of control in personal, interpersonal, and socio- political spheres. The sphere of personal control scores were used as the measure of perceived personal control. A significant negative correlation was found between problem focused disengagement and perceived personal control. Lower levels of personal perceived control can be attributed to low self-efficacy, external locus of control, and the behavioral inhibition system (BIS). Participants with low levels of perceived control are more likely to be motivated by the BIS than the behavioral approach system (BAS), resulting in the tendency to avoid problems rather than approach them. Participants of the study may have higher perceived control scores due to the fable fallacy, or the belief that they are exempt from vulnerability and the negative consequences of their actions. College students may also be prone to an internal locus control due to the mastery-oriented environment of college. The environment of college is also very socially oriented and may produce more emotion focused coping strategies in students. Longitudinal research on this issue is important in determining the affect age or other life stressors, outside the academic sphere, have on coping strategies.