Understanding the Roles of Appraisal and Coping in the Presence of Cumulative Risk: Test of Mediating and Moderating Effects

Abstract

Concurrent and longitudinal relations among appraisal, coping, cumulative risk, and adjustment were examined using a community sample (N=316) of children in preadolescence (8-12 years old) representing the full range of income. Path analyses were used to test direct effects of appraisal and coping on adjustment and mediating and moderating effects of appraisal and coping of the relation of cumulative risk to adjustment. Threat appraisal and avoidant coping were hypothesized to mediate the effects of cumulative risk on child adjustment, whereas positive appraisal and active coping were hypothesized to moderate the relation of cumulative risk with adjustment. Rank order changes in appraisal and coping predicted rank order changes in adjustment. Concurrent cumulative risk was related to higher threat appraisal and avoidant coping at each time point. Threat appraisal and avoidant coping mediated the relations of cumulative risk to adjustment. There was little support for moderation. The development of appraisal and coping and their significance to children's adjustment within the context of cumulative risk are discussed.