Importance of stress coping strategies for links between students type a behaviour and health risk behaviour

Abstract

The Aim of the study is study importance of stress coping strategies for health risk behaviour in students with type A behaviour. Research material and methods: A total 217 (115 males and 102 females) students from two Lithuanian universities entered survey. Respondents mean age is 20 ± 2 years (Agerange from 18 to 28 years). Type A behaviour pattern (TABP) was assessed with Adolescent and Adult type A behaviour scale - AATABS-3 (Forgays and others, 1993). Stress coping strategies was assessed with coping inventory for stressful situations (CISS) (Endler and others, 1990). Health risk behaviour was assessed with Health risk behaviour inventory (HRBI) (Irish, 2011), and questions about current smoking status, past smoking status, alcohol use frequency. Results: Results revealed that TABP and health related behaviour is related: Students with TABP eating habits are less favourable, they more likely are smokers, but their physical activity is higher. However, problem oriented coping mediate link between TABP and health risk behaviour. Students with TABP which use problem oriented coping eating habits are more favourable, they more likely will be non-smokers, their physical activity is higher, and they less often use alcohol. Conclusions: Problem oriented coping mediate link between TABP and health risk behaviour. Problem focused coping used by TABP students relates with more favourable eating habits, non-smoking, higher physical activity, less frequent alcohol use.