Examining the Impact of Learning Styles on Anxiety Coping Mechanisms for Hospitality Students: A Case Study of Future and Current Golf Professionals

This study explored stress appraisal and coping strategies used by hospitality students enrolled in university professional golf management programs in the U.S. Based on participants' description regarding their pre-round preparation, pre-shot routine, and the first tee experience, both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to define perceived anxiety and coping mechanisms. Additionally, a scale related to learning styles was incorporated into the survey to see if learning styles play a key role in using coping mechanisms. The results established the anxiety themes that were related to learning styles and found the influence on two major coping modes: avoidance and approach. Findings not only strengthen related anxiety and coping literature in hospitality education, but also encourage students to cope with anxiety by either engaging or disengaging depending on perceptions of an anxious environment. This study lays the foundation for developing further coping strategies based on the thematic analysis of anxiety perceptions.