Need for structure and coping processes

The construct (PNS - Personal Need for Structure) is theoretically based on the assumption that the ability to reduce the uncertainty of a situation is connected significantly to better ability to solve new or cope with stressful situations. In our research, the assumption of possible significant differences in coping strategies and the dimensions of the HxA cognitive style (heuristic vs. algorithmic orientation) was verified on a sample of 524 Slovak adolescents aged 14-18 yrs. (boys n=280, girls n=244). The results confirmed unequivocally that students with a great need for structure preferred significantly more effective coping strategies (family - social communication, low negative avoidance). High heuristic orientation is connected with lower need (wish) for structure, in other words, high need for structure with algorithmic orientation.