Predicting Kashan University Students’ mental stress coping strategies

Introduction: Previous studies conducted on attachment theory reflect the importance of attachment in different aspects of life. Based on this theory, attachment affects the quality of life and individual differences in methods of coping with stress. Given the importance ofthis issue, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between attachment styles and methods of coping with stress. Methods: The sample consisted of 400 students at the University of Kashan in 2014-2015 academic year. In the first stage, cluster sampling and then stratified sampling was used for participant selection for the study. Hazan and Shaver”s (1987) attachment styles questionnaire and coping styles scale by Endler and Parker (1990) were used for data collection. For data analysis, descriptive methods, correlation, regression analysis and analysis of variance were used. Results: Results showed links between insecure and secure attachment styles on the one hand and problem-solving approaches to coping style on the other. In examining relationships between attachment styles, a significant difference in the results was found for insecure attachment. The use of different coping styles was found to be gender independent. Conclusion: People with secure attachment style use problem-solving approaches to coping style. Based on the results, the formation and strengthening of attachment during growth and development affects adulthood and should be emphasized. Therefore, the creation of secure attachment for students, followed by the correct use of the stress coping styles can dramatically increase success among students in the country.