| The purpose of this multiple observation study is to examine the relationship between proactive coping and an individual's ability to remain poised under pressure. Specifically, the study focuses on the proactive coping skills of Division I men's basketball referees (n = 194). The referees completed a self-reported survey and the 14-item Proactive Coping Subscale (PCS). A statistical analysis compared those results with direct observation ratings from independent observers and head coaches of the participating teams. While the PCS scores suggest the referees are strong proactive copers, the poise under pressure ratings by observers and coaches failed to support the PCS scores. Therefore, by combining the self-reported PCS results with the poise under pressure ratings by coaches and observers, the researcher incorporated all three ratings into the referee overall coping behavior model. However, this model still has limits because the self reported PCS score might not be an accurate representation of an individual's ability to reduce or eliminate future stressors. A significant finding of this study is the notable disconnect between the PCS and direct observation ratings, suggesting limitations in the applicability of the Proactive Coping Subscale, especially in studies involving acute stressors. The researcher of this study believes the PCS is an inadequate stand-alone instrument because it fails to consider the environmental variables affecting how individuals cope with future stress agents. |
