A Study Correlation Between Primary Symptom Dimensions, Self-Esteem And Coping Strategies In A Clinical Group

Aim: analyze how the experiences and representations of self-esteem correlate with clinical symptoms, as well as specific non-functional coping strategies in order to overcome difficulties in the development of autonomy and decision-making. Participants: the sample consisted of 74 students (40 women and 34 men) with a mean age of 26.7, who required psychological support from the Centre for Psychological Counseling of the University of Salerno. Methods: We used a self-report questionnaire, composed by:  Socio-anagraphic items;  Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale;  SCL-90-R - Symptom Checklist 90-Revised;  CISS Test - Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations. Results: statistical analysis, effected using the Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), show that: - self-esteem correlates with more or less severe clinical disorders; - low levels of self-esteem present in people with a high risk of disease (pathological distress), presenting elevated scores to SCL-90-R dimensions; - low levels of self-esteem is prominent in females and indicates a negative image of Self. ; - standard levels of self-esteem correlated with somatization dimension; - coping resources of individuals with low levels of self-esteem are directed more towards the Self than towards the social, sometimes even in terms of preoccupation with the Self and social isolation.