Factors associated with problem-focused and emotion-focused coping six months after the World Trade Center disaster: Experiences from the business field (New York City)

This research examines experiences of business students, many of whom may have been impacted by the events of 9/11 in the Wall Street area. It has been documented that coping strategies can serve to mitigate the negative impact of a traumatic event. Coping strategies include both problem-focused and emotion-focused coping as posited by the coping framework of Lazarus and Folkman (1984). This study focused on understanding the factors associated with problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies in relation to the events of 9/11 with business students in New York City. Gender was found to be a statistically significant factor in the use of coping strategies. Further research is needed so that the field of social work can adequately address and help individuals after a crisis situation more effectively.