The influence of human values on coping mechanisms

Abstract

Especially in crisis situations it is necessary for people to activate inner resources to help them cope. This research focuses on two basic concepts, coping and human values. The objective of this study was to see which of the 10 human values influence different coping mechanisms. The sample consisted of 397 participants aged between 18 and 67 years with varying levels of professional and academic background. The results of regression analyses reported statistically significant influences for three of the four major coping dimensions, such that tradition negatively influences, self-direction, universalism, security, and benevolence positively influence problem-focused coping; self-direction negatively influences, achievement, benevolence, and hedonism positively influence social support-focused coping; universalism and self-direction negatively influence, and tradition, power, hedonism, and stimulation positively influence avoidance coping. Dimensions of emotion-focused coping is not influenced by any of the human values.