The relationship between coping and personality among police officers in Singapore

The relationship between coping styles and personality was investigated with 243 male police officers from the Singapore Police Force. Coping style was measured using the dispositional version of the COPE, whereas personality was measured by the NEO PI-R. Canonical correlation analysis revealed three significant canonical correlations. Examination of the rotated canonical variables indicated that Problem Solving, composed of Active Coping, Suppression of Competing Activities, Planning, Restraint Coping, and Instrumental Social Support, was positively associated with Conscientiousness. Avoidance Coping, which included Behavioral Disengagement, Mental Disengagement, Denial, and Focusing on and Venting of Emotion, was positively related to Neuroticism but negatively related to Conscientiousness. Finally, Positive Reappraisal, which included Emotional Social Support, Turning To Religion, Positive Reinterpretation and Growth, and Acceptance, was positively associated with Extroversion, Agreeableness, and Openness. (C) 2001 Academic Press.