Cognitive appraisals, coping and psychological problems among Boğaziçi University english preparatory students

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to explore the relationships among daily hassles, life events, cognitive appraisals, ways of coping, and psychological problems of Boğaziçi University English preparatory students. The dynamic interplay between study variables was examined in line with the Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Theory of Stress. The sample was composed of 270 students (146 female, 124 male), and the data was collected by the Daily Hassles Scale, the Life Events Scale, the Stress Appraisal Measure, the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, and the BÜREM (Boğaziçi University Guidance and Psychological Counseling Center) Intake Form. The analyses partially supported the mediating role of coping on the relationship between cognitive appraisals and psychological problems. Regardless of having available resources to deal with the stressors, Planful Problem Solving predicted fewer psychological problems. The partial mediating roles of Planful Problem Solving and Accept Responsibility were supported. Moreover, the moderating effects of cognitive appraisals and ways of coping were supported. Daily Hassles more strongly predicted psychological problems for high levels of Threat appraisal than lower levels. For low levels of Control appraisal, Life Events more strongly predicted psychological problems. Daily Hassles more strongly predicted psychological problems for high levels of Accept Responsibility than low levels.