Is the Structure of the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale Cross-Culturally Stable? Evidence Based on a Scoping Literature Review

Rafał P. Bartczuk; Joanna Chwaszcz; Stevan E. Hobfoll; Iwona Niewiadomska; Maria Gałkowska-Bachanek

doi:10.18290/rpsych20231-1

Rafał P. Bartczuk Institute of Psychology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0433-7327
Joanna Chwaszcz Institute of Psychology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7068-4696
Stevan E. Hobfoll https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4136-0929
Iwona Niewiadomska Institute of Psychology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0244-2748
Maria Gałkowska-Bachanek Institute of Psychology, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1340-6398

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rpsych20231-1

Keywords: coping strategies, Multiaxial Model of Coping, Strategic Approach to Coping Scale

Abstract

The Strategic Approach to Coping Scale (SACS) is a measure based on the Multiaxial Model of Coping. The original version of the scale consists of nine subscales, which form three second-order factors. An up-to-date review of SACS cultural adaptations was provided in order to examine the evidence for the cultural stability of SACS first- and second-level structures. The review demonstrated that among the SACS first-level factors some are more culturally stable and some are more sensitive to cultural context. The second-order structure of the SACS is more interculturally stable, especially the active–passive and social factors have a robust empirical justification.

Author Biography

Stevan E. Hobfoll

Stevan E. Hobfoll - STAR: Stress, Anxiety, and Resilience Consultants

References

Banshchikova, T. N., Sokolovskii, M. L., Solomonov, V. A., & Fomina, E. A. (2019). Psychometrics of the Russian version of the SACS instrument (S. E. Hobfoll’s Strategic Approach to Coping Scale). Modern Journal of Language Teaching Methods, 9(1), 423–435.

Bernat, A., & Krzyszkowska, M. (2017). Znaczenie i sposoby wykorzystania psychospołecznych zasobów zaradczych w ujęciu S. E. Hobfolla [Significance and ways od using psychosocial coping resources]. Studia Paradyskie, 27, 255–278.

Bite, I., & Martinsone, B. (2013). Vardarbības seku pārvarēšana sievietēm grupu un individuālās psihoterapijas rezultātā piesaistes teorijas kontekstā [Overcoming the effects of violence on women as a result of group and individual psychotherapy in the context of attachment theory]. Latvijas Universitātes Raksti, 786, 21–36.

Buchwald, P., & Lutz, S. (2006). Preliminary results of the Japanese adaptation to the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale [Poster]. 27. Internationalen Konferenz der Stress and Anxiety Research Society (STAR), University of Crete, Rethymnon. http://petra-buchwald.de/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Buchwald-P.-Lutz-S.-2006.-Preliminary-Results-of-the-Japanese-Adaptation-to-the-Strategic-Approach-to-Coping-Scale..pdf

Buchwald, P., & Schwarzer, C. (2003). The exam-specific Strategic Approach to Coping Scale and interpersonal resources. Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 16(3), 281–291. https://doi.org/10.1080/1061580031000095434

Budău, O., Ciuca, A., Miclea, M., & Albu, M. (2011). The adaptation and validation process of the Romanian version of the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale (SACS). Cognitie, Creier, Comportament/Cognition, Brain, Behavior, 15(1), 131–141.

Chodak, M., & Barwiński, Ł. (2010). Autoagresja jako forma radzenia sobie ze stresem—badania własne [Self-aggression as a form of coping with stress—A research report]. Psychiatria i Psychoterapia, 6(1), 31–46.

Chwaszcz, J., Wiechetek, M., & Przybyłek, A. (2016). Coping strategies and the risk of developing Internet addiction in young people—A study report. In B. Lelonek & J. Chwaszcz (Eds.), Gambling and Internet addictions—Epidemiology and treatment (pp. 101–107). Natanaleum Association Institute for Psychoprevention and Psychotherapy.

Dunahoo, C. L., Hobfoll, S. E., Monnier, J., Hulsizer, M. R., & Johnson, R. (1998). There’s more than rugged individualism in coping. Part 1: Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 11(2), 137–165. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615809808248309

Finklestein, M., Laufer, A., & Solomon, Z. (2012). Coping strategies of Ethiopian immigrants in Israel: Association with PTSD and dissociation. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 53(6), 490–498. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9450.2012.00972.x

Geller, P. A., Hobfoll, S. E., & Dunahoo, C. L. (2009). Women’s coping: Communal versus individualistic orientation. In C. L. Cooper, J. C. Quick, & M. Schabracq (Eds.), International handbook of work and health psychology (3rd ed., pp. 353–382). Wiley–Blackwell.

Henson, R. K., & Roberts, J. K. (2006). Use of exploratory factor analysis in published research: Common errors and some comment on improved practice. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 66(3), 393–416. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013164405282485

Hobfoll, S. E. (1998). Stress, culture, and community: The psychology and philosophy of stress. Plenum Press.

Hobfoll, S. E. (2006). Stres, kultura i społeczność: Psychologia i filozofia stresu [Stress, culture and community: The psychology and philosophy of stress] (M. Kacmajor, Trans.). Gdańskie Wydawnictwo Psychologiczne.

Hobfoll, S. E., Dunahoo, C. L., Ben-Porath, Y., & Monnier, J. (1994). Gender and coping: The dual-axis model of coping. American Journal of Community Psychology, 22(1), 49–82. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02506817

Hobfoll, S. E., Geller, P., & Dunahoo, C. L. (2003). Women’s coping: Communal versus individualistic orientation. In M. Schabracq, J. A. M. Winnubst, & C. L. Cooper (Eds.), The handbook of work and health psychology (2nd ed., pp. 237–257). J. Wiley & Sons.

Hsu, W.-Y., Chen, M.-C., Wang, T.-H., & Sun, S.-H. (2008). Coping strategies in Chinese social context. Asian Journal of Social Psychology, 11(2), 150–162. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-839X.2008.00252.x

Jachowicz, N., Niewiadomska, I., & Bartczuk, R. (2015). Sense of support and stress coping strategies in nicotine-dependent persons. In J. Chwaszcz & I. Niewiadomska (Eds.), Meaning of resources in social inclusion (pp. 80–90). Natanaleum Association Institute for Psychoprevention and Psychotherapy.

Łącka, I., Niewiadomska, I., & Palacz-Chrisidis, A. (2015). Personality and stress coping strategies in gambling-addicted persons. In J. Chwaszcz & I. Niewiadomska (Eds.), Meaning of resources in social inclusion (pp. 91–102). Natanaleum Association Institute for Psychoprevention and Psychotherapy.

Łosiak, W. (2008). Resource loss, coping, alcohol expectancies and drinking in students. Polish Psychological Bulletin, 39(3). https://doi.org/10.2478/v10059-008-0016-5

Maslova, J. (2016). The impact of pedagogical support program on coping strategies, academic achievement and stress level in adolescence. Society. Integration. Education. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, 2, 181–195. https://doi.org/10.17770/sie2016vol2.1397

Monnier, J., Hobfoll, S. E., Dunahoo, C. L., Hulsizer, M. R., & Johnson, R. (1998). There’s more than rugged individualism in coping. Part 2: Construct validity and further model testing. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 11(3), 247–272. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615809808248314

Monnier, J., Hobfoll, S. E., & Stone, B. K. (1996). Coping, resources, and social context. In W. Battmann & S. Dutke (Eds.), Processes of the molar regulation of behavior (pp. 189–204). Pabst Science Publishers.

Niewiadomska, I., Jakimowicz, E., & Augustynowicz, W. (2016). Adult Children of Divorce (ACOD)—Personal adjustment and preferred coping strategies. In I. Niewiadomska & W. Augustynowicz (Eds.), Inclusion—Psychosocial aspects (pp. 44–56). Natanaelum Association Institute for Psychoprevention and Psychotherapy.

Pérez, E. J. P., Germán, M. Á. S., & García, A. M. P. (2012). Adaptación española de la Escala Multiaxial de Afrontamiento Estratégico (SACS) de Hobfoll [Spanish adaptation of Hobfoll’s Strategic Approach to Coping Scale], 24(3), 455–460.

Pérez, G. del C. V., & Gómez-Maqueo, E. L. (2007). Resultados preliminares de la adaptacion al espanol de la Escala de Estrategias de Afrontamiento [Preliminary results of the Spanish adaptation of the Coping Scale]. Psicología y Salud, 17(2), 283–290.

Pietras, P., Niewiadomska, I., & Palacz-Chrisidis, A. (2015). Personal adjustment and preferences for coping strategies in people with behavioural addictions. In J. Chwaszcz & I. Niewiadomska (Eds.), Meaning of resources in social inclusion (pp. 103–113). Natanaleum Association Institute for Psychoprevention and Psychotherapy.

Plaude, A., & Raščevska, M. (2011). The association of cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence, defense mechanisms and coping with employment and unemployment. Baltic Journal of Psychology, 12(1–2), 83–101.

Roussi, P., Rapti, F., & Kiosseoglou, G. (2006). Coping and psychological sense of community: An exploratory study of urban and rural areas in Greece. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 19(2), 161–173. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615800600593304

Roussi, P., & Vassilaki, E. (2001). The applicability of the Multiaxial Model of Coping to a Greek population. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 14(2), 125–147. https://doi.org/10.1080/10615800108248351

Schwarzer, C., Starke, D., & Buchwald, P. (2003). Towards a theory-based assessment of coping: The German adaptation of the Strategic Approach to Coping Scale. Anxiety, Stress & Coping, 16(3), 271–280. https://doi.org/10.1080/1061580031000095425

Torkelson, E., & Muhonen, T. (2008). Work stress, coping, and gender: Implications for health and well-being. In K. Näswall, J. Hellgren, & M. Sverke (Eds.), The individual in the changing working life (pp. 311–327). Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511490064.015

Tyrka, R., Niewiadomska, I., & Bartczuk, R. (2015). The severity of crisis in valuation and the use of coping strategies in prison inmates. In J. Chwaszcz & I. Niewiadomska (Eds.), Meaning of resources in social inclusion (pp. 80–90). Natanaleum Association Institute for Psychoprevention and Psychotherapy.

Ünal-Karagüven, M. H. (2009). Psychological impact of an economic crisis: A Conservation of Resources approach. International Journal of Stress Management, 16(3), 177–194. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016840

Van Rooyen, J. M., Kruger, H. S., Huisman, H. W., Wissing, M. P., Margetts, B. M., Venter, C. S., & Vorster, H. H. (2000). An epidemiological study of hypertension and its determinants in a population in transition: The THUSA study. Journal of Human Hypertension, 14(12), 779–787. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jhh.1001098

Vodopianova, N. E. (2009). Psikhodiagnostika stressa [Psychodiagnostics of stress]. Piter.

Wissing, M. P., & Temane, Q. M. (2013). Feeling good, functioning well, and being true: Reflections on selected findings from the FORT research programme. In M. P. Wissing (Ed.), Well-Being Research in South Africa (pp. 225–250). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6368-5_11

Worthington, R. L., & Whittaker, T. A. (2006). Scale development research: A content analysis and recommendations for best practices. The Counseling Psychologist, 34(6), 806–838. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000006288127