Negative life events, distress, and coping among adolescents in Botswana

Abstract

This study examined the potential mediating and moderating effects of different ways of coping on the impact of negative life events (NLE) on psychological health among adolescents, 63 boys and 66 girls, in Botswana. 'Distraction' as a way of coping and seeking social support were found to reduce the impact of NLE on psychological health concerns. 'Rumination' was associated with increased distress and less satisfaction with life. Future studies could focus on the use of distraction and seeking social support as coping strategies to reduce the effects of NLEs on psychological distress.