Abstract

This study compares the coping processes of adults (N=35) who had participated in two stress-management programs, aerobic conditioning (jogging) and stress inoculation (cognitive therapy), and a comparison group from the community. Data were collected one month after a 15-month follow-up assessment had been completed. Standardized interviews were conducted in which participants described a recent stressful situation and its severity, and identified coping responses and effectiveness. Two approaches to the classification of coping were utilized (i.e., both method and focus of coping). Analysis of variance and log linear analysis were used to for group differences on stress, appraisal, and coping measures. Although the exercise group was more likely to report using exercise to cope with stress, compared with the stress inoculation group, no significant differences were found between groups on stress or coping classifications. Limitations of this exploratory study and future implications are discussed. Verf.-Referat