Analyzing Stress Appraisals, Coping Strategies and Defense Mechanisms of Adults in Jamaica and in the United States: A Cross-Cultural Study

Abstract

The chief aim of this study is to explore coping strategies and defense mechanisms in a cross-cultural manner between American and Jamaican individuals. This study is a comparative analysis of the two groups based on self-report measures, which will provide insight on the stress appraisal and defense mechanisms decision making processes. The Jamaican population is underrepresented in coping and stress research. This study utilized multiple surveys, the Brief COPE inventory to analyze coping strategies, Defense Style (DSQ40) to analyze defense mechanisms, Perceived Stress Scale and Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM) to analyze the individual’s stress appraisals, Mini International Personality Item Pool, which is a personality focused measure and a demographic survey regarding age and more importantly nationality. A self-report questionnaire was also included which allowed participants to respond without limitations, providing valuable insight on the thoughts of each participant. All questionnaires are important to gain multidimensional perspectives on the rationale and coping behaviors of each participant. To my knowledge there are no studies currently exploring coping strategies, stress appraisals or defense mechanisms cross-culturally between the United States and Jamaica. This study is the first to explore all three concepts.