Objective: Literatures on factors influencing performance of the Stroop
interference have been elusive on coping styles. Past investigations of coping
influence on Stroop test have been indirect and inconclusive due to variability of
multidimensional coping models and application of different Stroop test. The
concept of constricted versus flexible or broad cognitive style have linked
personality and coping styles to Stroop performance. The objective of this study
was to determine the associations of coping styles with Stroop resistance towards
interference (Stroop RI) and subsequently determine the predictors of Stroop
performance. Methods: This was a cross-sectional community research design
study with purposive sampling. In this study, the self-administered Brief COPE
inventory questionnaires and Stroop Test were performed among 205
undergraduate medical students. Results: Findings revealed that behavioural
disengagement (r=-0.361), dysfunctional coping (r=-0.355), self-blame (r = 0.222),
and substance abuse (r = -0.173) showed negative correlation and proven strong
association with Stroop RI. Further multiple regression analyses identified
behavioural disengagement (R2 = 0.13), and dysfunctional coping (R2 = 0.024) as
significant predictors for interference. Conclusion: Coping styles have
implication on Stroop test exhibited in varied cognitive styles. Integrating coping
styles factor on Stroop test has glimpsed the future direction of other
neuropsychological assessment batteries on the importance of profiling
individualistic baseline norms.