Individual Differences in Perceived Information Processing Styles in Stress and Coping Situations: Development and Validation of the Perceived Modes of Processing Inventory

Abstract

A new self-report instrument was constructed toassess a person's awareness and perception of his or herdominant mode of information processing in stress andcoping situations. The items were based on Epstein's (1990) cognitive-experientialself-theory, which distinguishes between rational andexperiential information processing. Exploratory andconfirmatory factor analyses found that this instrument is measuring three different perceivedprocessing styles: (1) rational processing, (2)emotional processing, and (3) automatic processing.Collectively, these measures were named the PerceivedModes of Processing Inventory (PMPI). Data supporting thereliability and criterion validity of the PMPI werepresented. In general, perceived rational processing wasmost strongly and consistently related to adaptiveproblem focused coping and positive psychologicalwell-being. Perceived emotional processing was relatedto adaptive emotion-focused coping (expressing emotions,seeking social support), but it was also related to more psychological distress and less positivewell-being.