Attention and avoidance : strategies in coping with aversiveness

This volume aims to develop a framework showing how concepts and empirical data concerning vigilance and cognitive avoidance fit together with research on stress and coping. A central purpose of the book is to elaborate a more integrated approach to the study of these two central coping strategies. Special attention is given to the following topics: theoretical approaches to vigilance and avoidance; research and measurement strategies; the role of attentional processes in the self-regulation of behaviour; uncertainty and emotional arousal as determinants of vigilance and avoidance; flexibility and individual consistency in coping; gender, age and coping; vigilant/avoidant coping and health status. The book brings together authors distinguished by their substantial theoretical contributions and empirical investigations in the area of cognitive coping research.