Vasilyeva V.I. Predictors of Proactive Coping Behavior in Adolescence

The modern social environment is characterized by high dynamism and uncertainty, placing increased demands on individuals' adaptive resources, especially during adolescence. This stage is associated with key developmental tasks such as professional self-determination, separation from parental figures, and building mature relationships. Under these circumstances, proactive coping strategies aimed at avoiding difficulties and accumulating resources become crucial.

The goal of this study is to investigate the role of personality traits within the Big Five framework and time perspective characteristics as predictors of proactive coping behaviors among individuals aged 17 to 20.

A set of psychodiagnostic techniques were used as research methods: the Five-factor Personality Questionnaire (TIPI-RU), the Proactive Coping Questionnaire, and the Zimbardo Time Perspective Questionnaire. The empirical sample consisted of 298 respondents (57.7% women and 42.3% men) aged 17 to 20 years (mean age 19.6) from various regions of Russia. Linear regression analysis with stepwise inclusion of variables was used to analyze the data.

The results of the analysis indicate a complex process of proactive coping. We found that the overall indicator of proactive coping was 38.8% determined by five factors. The most significant factor was orientation towards the future, which had a positive effect on proactive coping (β = 0.332). A fatalistic present was a significant negative factor (β = –0.325) that suppressed proactivity. Unexpectedly, the hedonistic present also had a positive association with proactive coping (β = 0.282).

Among the personality traits, emotional stability and extraversion made a significant, albeit less pronounced, contribution (β = 0.219 and β = 0.124, respectively).

These findings confirm the importance of time perspective, particularly future orientation, in predicting proactive coping behavior. Emotional stability and extraversion appear to be important personal resources, while a fatalistic perspective can be a significant barrier to proactive behavior.

Key words: proactive coping, the Big Five personality traits, time perspective, adolescence, future orientation, hedonistic present, extraversion, emotional stability

For citation: Vasilyeva, V.I. (2026). Predictors of Proactive Coping Behavior in Adolescence. New Psychological Research, No. 2, 118–127. DOI: 10.51217/npsyresearch_2026_06_02_06