Date of Graduation

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MA

Committee Chair

Katherine Karraker

Abstract

Cognitive readiness and self-efficacy are similar in that they can be thought of as components of the secondary appraisal process of stress and coping, and each construct includes parental knowledge. We examined self-efficacy and cognitive readiness as they relate to processes of stress and coping, expecting that overlap between the constructs would be accounted for by the role of knowledge. Sixty mothers of toddlers completed questionnaire packets. Our data revealed that, while distinct, cognitive readiness and maternal self-efficacy relate in similar manners to problem-focused coping, and that relation was mediated by stress. This finding suggests that cognitive readiness and self-efficacy can be thought of as components of the secondary appraisal process of stress and coping. Our data did not support the hypothesis regarding the role of knowledge. Collectively, these findings offer novel information regarding the manner in which self-efficacy and cognitive readiness relate to processes of stress and coping.

Share

COinS