The relationship between family cohesion, perceived control, received social support types (emotional, informational, and tangible), and the coping strategies used by mothers of separated or divorced offspring was examined. Data were obtained from 84 mothers aged 45 to 78 (M age 61). Two multiple regression analyses were conducted with avoidant coping (focus on and venting emotion, behavioural disengagement, mental disengagement) and active coping (active coping, planning, positive reinterpretation and growth) serving as criterion variables. Greater use of avoidant coping was associated with low family cohesion, low perceived control, and high received emotional support. In addition, greater use of active coping was associated with high received emotional support.
