This work, part of a larger research, takes as its starting point the hypothesis that the end of High School represents a turning point (Bruner, 2002) in the transition process of from late adolescence to adulthood during which external demands on the choices can assume the function of organising elements in the process of identity formation. This transition presents particular difficulties for young students as they are faced with choices relating to their studies and/or careers, especially if these are seen as part of a process that takes place in tandem with the development of their self-image (Silbereisen et al., 1986; Cozzolino et al., 2009; Parrello, 2009). These difficulties can been considered stressful experiences to which one responds with specific coping strategies (Menna et al., 2009). The objectives are the analysis of the these strategies and the analysis of the background dynamics for the choice itself. The method is mixed. The subjects were 285 students of both sexes, age 17-19, attending High School in the City of Naples, Italy and its province. They filled in questionnaires assessing future-related stressors (Problem Questionnarie, PQ, Seiffge- Krenke, 1995) and the coping strategies used to deal with them (Coping Across Situations Questionnaire, CASQ, Seiffge-Krenke, 1995). Autobiographical interviews were proposed to 20 subjects (Bruner, 1990). The data from the questionnaires were analyzed with ANOVA, the texts of interviews with textual analysis using categorical NVivo (Richard, 2000). The results of the first questionnaire show a massive use of strategies based on avoiding and seeking social support in relation to stressful events related to the future. Future-related stress included a combination of fears about one’s own future and general concerns for the society. The interviews show that the subjects feel they enter a complex world of contradictory possibilities, considered largely dependent on external conditions.
THE STRESSFUL ROAD TO THE FUTURE: COPING STRATEGIES DURING THE TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO UNIVERSITY OR WORK / Cozzolino, MARIA DOMENICA; Menna, Palma; Parrello, Santa. - (2010). (Intervento presentato al convegno 12th Biennial Conference of EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE tenutosi a Vilnius, Lithuania nel 12-15 May 2010).
THE STRESSFUL ROAD TO THE FUTURE: COPING STRATEGIES DURING THE TRANSITION FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO UNIVERSITY OR WORK
COZZOLINO, MARIA DOMENICA;MENNA, PALMA;PARRELLO, SANTA
2010
Abstract
This work, part of a larger research, takes as its starting point the hypothesis that the end of High School represents a turning point (Bruner, 2002) in the transition process of from late adolescence to adulthood during which external demands on the choices can assume the function of organising elements in the process of identity formation. This transition presents particular difficulties for young students as they are faced with choices relating to their studies and/or careers, especially if these are seen as part of a process that takes place in tandem with the development of their self-image (Silbereisen et al., 1986; Cozzolino et al., 2009; Parrello, 2009). These difficulties can been considered stressful experiences to which one responds with specific coping strategies (Menna et al., 2009). The objectives are the analysis of the these strategies and the analysis of the background dynamics for the choice itself. The method is mixed. The subjects were 285 students of both sexes, age 17-19, attending High School in the City of Naples, Italy and its province. They filled in questionnaires assessing future-related stressors (Problem Questionnarie, PQ, Seiffge- Krenke, 1995) and the coping strategies used to deal with them (Coping Across Situations Questionnaire, CASQ, Seiffge-Krenke, 1995). Autobiographical interviews were proposed to 20 subjects (Bruner, 1990). The data from the questionnaires were analyzed with ANOVA, the texts of interviews with textual analysis using categorical NVivo (Richard, 2000). The results of the first questionnaire show a massive use of strategies based on avoiding and seeking social support in relation to stressful events related to the future. Future-related stress included a combination of fears about one’s own future and general concerns for the society. The interviews show that the subjects feel they enter a complex world of contradictory possibilities, considered largely dependent on external conditions.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
