Predictors of Coping in Adolescence: The Influence of Temperament and Parenting Styles

Coping strategies are essential for adolescents’ socio-emotional well-being and academic success. This study aims to explore the predictive role of temperament traits, parental care, and overprotection in shaping adolescents’ coping strategies. A cross-sectional design was employed to collect data from 1,195 Italian adolescents aged 14–18 years. Stepwise regression analyses were conducted to identify significant predictors of coping strategies. Findings revealed that temperament traits, particularly depressive and cyclothymic temperaments, were the strongest predictors of coping strategies. High parental care perceived by adolescents promoted adaptive coping strategies such as Social Support and Problem Solving, whereas lower parental care levels perceived by adolescents were linked to Avoidance coping strategies. Temperament traits play a more prominent role than parenting in shaping adolescents’ coping strategies, suggesting that interventions should focus on biological predispositions while fostering a supportive ­family environment.