Temporal Perspectives on Socialization of Coping in Rural Mothers of Adolescent Girls

Abstract

Coping refers to a skillset utilized across the lifespan to subvert stress. Socialization of coping is the process by which experienced copers impart coping skills to novices. This may be unique in the rural mother-daughter dyad due to gendered parenting and the distinct stressors experienced in rural communities. The present study utilized a phenomenographical methodology to investigate how mothers (N = 54) remembered their own socialization, socialize their daughters, and perceive the effectiveness of their socialization. Findings indicated that mothers remembered diverse techniques as children; that mothers indicated using communication, instrumental help, and presence to socialize coping in their children presently; and that most mothers predicted their socialization efforts would be effective for their children’s long-term coping. These findings provide continuation and nuance to the socialization of coping literature as applied to rural populations. Study findings can help practitioners support rural caregivers to better foster their children’s coping.