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Repressive Adaptive Style Across Ethnicities

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Abstract

There may be significant differences in coping styles across ethnicities. Previous research has suggested disparities in the number of individuals who utilize repressive adaptive coping style among cultural groups. Repressive adaptive style is a coping mechanism in which individuals report low distress levels while they actually experience high levels of stress. Developing an enhanced understanding of the prevalence of the utilization of repressive adaptive style in different ethnic groups is important for informing intervention techniques to better account for the cultural influences on mental health. The present study investigated the utilization of repressive adaptive style across American Indian (n = 31), African American (n = 53), and European American (n = 48) children in the Midwest. The age range of the children was 10 to 13 years and 50.8% were male. Dependent measures included the Children’s Social Desirability Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children. Results indicated significant differences in reports of anxiety between ethnic groups. Additionally, it was discovered that African American and European American children utilized repressive adaptive style more than American Indian children, albeit not significantly. Because of the high rates of suicide and emotional distress believed to be experienced by American Indian children this result is interesting. Continued research investigating protective factors, such as high levels of cultural identity and connectedness, is warranted.

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Author Contributions

J.S. designed and executed the study, analyzed the data, and wrote the paper. M.R. collaborated with the designing and writing of the study. K.C. collaborated in the writing and editing of the final manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, 74104, USA

    Joanna O. Shadlow & Kelly Cosgrove

  2. Clinical Child Psychology Program, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045, USA

    Michael C. Roberts

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  1. Joanna O. Shadlow
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  2. Michael C. Roberts
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Correspondence to Joanna O. Shadlow.

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Shadlow, J.O., Roberts, M.C. & Cosgrove, K. Repressive Adaptive Style Across Ethnicities. J Child Fam Stud 27, 1525–1533 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-017-0996-x

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