Coping mechanisms of students at novitiate formation

ABSTRACT This study investigated how the students of a novitiate formation house of the Society of the Divine Word or SVD (Societas Verbi Divini) are able to cope with their problems and life’s situations. Results revealed that the students are using problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping mechanisms in dealing with their problems. A descriptive co-relational and qualitative method was used with 50 students as respondents. It was shown that the demographic profile particularly during the initial novitiate year and length of stay were positively related to the behavioral approach of coping, relying markedly on seeking guidance and support (r = .31, p < .05) and to the cognitive approach of coping relying notably on acceptance or resignation (r = .28, p < .05). Moreover, respondents in the second-year have a higher degree of coping mechanisms, particularly relying on seeking guidance and support and acceptance or resignation than those in the first-year.