A COGNITIVE INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE COPING BEHAVIOR BY TEACHING THE JANIS/MANN CONFLICT THEORY MODEL OF DECISION MAKING
Abstract
This study focused on a cognitive intervention to improve coping behaviors by teaching the Janis/Mann Conflict Theory Model of Decision Making. The Janis/Mann theory is based on the supposition of five basic coping behaviors (Unconflicted Adherence, Unconflicted Change, Defensive Avoidance, Hypervigilance, and Vigilance), which characterize a decision maker's possible coping patterns. The dependent variable measurement in which these five behaviors were designed to be observed was a contrived stressful final examination environment.^ This research sought to determine whether: (a) the five Janis/Mann coping behavior would be observed in subjects administered two different treatments; (b) the five coping behaviors would be used differentially by those receiving the Janis/Mann treatment; (c) the five coping behaviors would be used differentially by subjects having various levels of anxiety; and (d) the use of the Janis/Mann Conflict Theory Model of Decision Making strategies was differentially attributable to the interaction of training and anxiety.^ Two treatments with paralleling course content (with the exception of the teaching of the Janis/Mann theory to only one treatment) were administered to 128 randomly assigned by class, male and female graduate and undergraduate students.^ Data were collected during the observation of the dependent variable measurement (final examination), and analyzed via five individual two-way ANOVAs (one for each of the five Janis/Mann coping behaviors). In addition, a more powerful multiple regression analysis with linear and nonlinear terms was also used.^ While more students taught the Janis/Mann Conflict Theory Model of Decision Making exhibited the Vigilant coping behavior than any of the other coping behaviors, the number was not large enough to be significant. However, results indicated that the five coping behaviors were all exhibited within the two treatment groups.^ Implications for education and suggestions for further research are presented. ^
Subject Area
Social sciences education
Recommended Citation
GRAUSO, KATHLEEN RUTH, "A COGNITIVE INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE COPING BEHAVIOR BY TEACHING THE JANIS/MANN CONFLICT THEORY MODEL OF DECISION MAKING" (1983). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI8326173.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI8326173
