A Multidimensional Approach to Explore Cross-Cultural Differences in Coping Behavior: Comparing Druze and Jews in Israel

ABSTRACT

Assuming that culture is a multidimensional variable, the current study explored the possibility that the interactions between ethnicity and other culture-related variables—rather than ethnicity alone—will better describe differences in coping behavior. In the study, cross-cultural differences among Israeli Jews and Israeli Druze in the use of various ways of coping were examined while also taking into account respondents' gender, age, self-esteem, sense of coherence, national identification, and religiosity. Comparing Israeli Jews and Israeli Druze, results indicate significant differences in levels of religiosity and coherence. Referring to coping behavior, findings show that differences in ways of coping could be attributed mainly to gender differences rather than ethnic differences Thus, at least in the case of comparing Israeli Jews vs. Israeli Druze, religiosity and gender are powerful determinants of coping behavior, while ethnicity has only a limited contribution in explaining variance in a preferred way of coping. It is suggested that ethnicity has a moderating role in shaping coping behavior, as it might influence person's self-perception and level of emotionality, which in turn shape the person's ways of coping. Future explorations among various age and ethnic groups are needed to enable generalization of the current study findings.

Keywords:

• coherence
• coping
• culture
• Druze
• Jews
• national identity

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Zipora Hochdorf

Moshe Israelashvili, PhD, is an associate professor of Counseling Psychology, Department of Human Development and Education, School of Education at Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. Research topics include resilience, prevention of maladjustment, and cross-cultural counseling. Orit Taubman-Ben-Ari, PhD, is a senior lecturer, Weisfeld School of Social Work, at Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel. Research topics include terror management theory, reckless driving, and cross-generational transference. Zipora Hochdorf, PhD, is a senior teacher, School Counseling Program, in Oranim College, Emek Izrael, Israel. Research topics include suicidal behavior and school counseling.