Abstract des Autors

The purpose of this study was to examine the coping styles, designated as approach and avoidance, of 137 skilled basketball referees from the U.S. (n = 75) and Australia (n = 62). Using a self-report survey, the referees were asked to indicate their use of coping techniques - thoughts and actions - in response to each of 14 acute stressors. The strategies were then categorized into approach and avoidance coping styles by deductive content analysis methods. Two sets of chi-square analyses were conducted, one comparing the frequency of using approach and avoidance coping styles for all referees, and a second analysis comparing the coping styles of U.S. and Australian basketball referees. Results of chi-square analyses indicatet significant differences between coping styles as a function of the type of stressor and between American and Australian referees in the use of approach and avoidance coping styles. The results, supporting the transactional model of coping, suggest a need for continued examination of coping style and cultural differences among sports officials, with implications for enhancing coping intervention effectiveness. Verf.-Referat