Examining the Relationship between Sensation Seeking, Positive and Negative Experiences, Emotional Autonomy and Coping Strategies in Adolescents

Abstract

The research aims to examine the relationships between sensation seeking and positive and negative experience, emotional autonomy, and coping strategies in adolescents. The study group consisted of 371 adolescents who attended middle and high schools; the ages ranged from 11 to 17. 55.7 % of participants were female (N=137), and 44.3% were male (N=109). Data were collected via Adolescent Coping Scale (KIDCOPE), Emotional Autonomy Scale, Adolescent Positive and Negative Experiences Scale, and Short Sensation Seeking Scale. The relationships between the study variables were analyzed via correlational analysis and regression analysis. The correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant negative correlation among sensation seeking, emotional autonomy, active coping, and positive experience. On the other hand, a statistically significant positive correlation among sensation seeking, avoidant coping, negative coping, and negative experience. The regression analysis results showed that emotional autonomy, avoidant coping, negative coping, and negative experience predict sensation seeking, yet active coping and positive experience variables did not predict.

Keywords

• Adolescence
• sensation seeking
• positive-negative experiences
• emotional autonomy
• coping